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Title: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FORENSIC EXPOSURE AND FORENSIC KNOWLEDGE.
Creator: Alves, Giovanna M, Hancock, Peter A., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: It has been shown that popular crime television series can have an impact in the behavior and perception of viewers. Forensic evidence, or evidence that is gathered through scientific methods, is often central to the plot of these shows. Exposure to forensic evidence in these shows has impacted the legal system by changing perceptions and opinions towards evidence presented in courtrooms, a consequence termed the CSI effect. A subset of the CSI effect named the Police Chief's Effect refers to...
Show moreIt has been shown that popular crime television series can have an impact in the behavior and perception of viewers. Forensic evidence, or evidence that is gathered through scientific methods, is often central to the plot of these shows. Exposure to forensic evidence in these shows has impacted the legal system by changing perceptions and opinions towards evidence presented in courtrooms, a consequence termed the CSI effect. A subset of the CSI effect named the Police Chief's Effect refers to the ability of criminals to learn about forensic evidence from these shows. Although understudied, the Police Chief's effect has the potential to increase the difficulty of criminal investigations if criminals are better able to plan their actions and conceal evidence. The intent of this thesis is to explore a relationship between forensic techniques portrayed in television and the forensic knowledge an individual obtains from it. Previous studies have looked at the Police Chief's effect in the context of a non-violent crime, even though most of the television shows highlight crime of a violent nature. The present study evaluates the ability of participants to consider forensic evidence when planning a murder, taking into account their crime show viewing history. The results revealed that the overall number of crime shows, percentage of those episodes and involvement in the shows was not associated with forensic evidence. However, a moderate correlation was found between the number of crime shows watched and forensic evidence in female participants.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFH2000507, ucf:45666
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000507

Title: DECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROMANTIC COMEDY IN CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND.
Creator: Crivelli, Mary E, Mauer, Barry, Preston-Sidler, Leandra, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research seeks to unpack the narrative of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend using semiotics, particularly through Roland Barthes' work in Mythologies and A Lover's Discourse. The goal of this research is to demonstrate long-form storytelling's ability to interrogate and revisit criticism through consideration of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's role as an ongoing satire of romantic comedies. This research culminated in a thesis discussing the semiotic myths that Crazy Ex-Girlfriend interrogates, and the process...
Show moreThis research seeks to unpack the narrative of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend using semiotics, particularly through Roland Barthes' work in Mythologies and A Lover's Discourse. The goal of this research is to demonstrate long-form storytelling's ability to interrogate and revisit criticism through consideration of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's role as an ongoing satire of romantic comedies. This research culminated in a thesis discussing the semiotic myths that Crazy Ex-Girlfriend interrogates, and the process of deconstruction that occurs within the text. The thesis applied the "fragments" identified in Barthes' A Lover's Discourse to corresponding scenes in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, with a focus on the musical nature of the show. This research also analyzed Crazy Ex-Girlfriend's role as a deconstruction of the romantic comedy genre, and its position as either upholding or subverting the myth of the "crazy ex-girlfriend." Through applying A Lover's Discourse to an hour-long television drama (in this case Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), this research contributes to the field of cultural studies by considering network entertainment media from a critical perspective, and utilizing A Lover's Discourse in an innovative manner.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000290, ucf:45702
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000290

Title: Advertising's Effect on Young Children: An Exploratory Study of General Influences, External Conflicts, and Inner Frustrations.
Creator: Neuman, Terry A., Meeske, Milan D., Social Sciences
Abstract / Description: Florida Technological University College of Social Sciences Thesis
Date Issued: 1974
Identifier: CFR0011953, ucf:53136
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0011953

Title: Nature Records Itself: Concepts of Truth and Representation in Nature Film and Nature Television Shows.
Creator: Rosalle, Rashaad, Peters, Philip, Adams, JoAnne, Dierdorff, Brooks, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With the advent of nature photography and film came new ways to understand and interpret the natural world. Prior to the 1910s these formats involved a more scientific and objective approach to recording nature. This aesthetic was abandoned in favor for narrative recreations and Hollywood structure after the 1930s. It is my belief that the dominant use of anthropomorphization, manipulations of setting and animal life, and rugged explorer motifs, all have lead to a loss of a more contemplative...
Show moreWith the advent of nature photography and film came new ways to understand and interpret the natural world. Prior to the 1910s these formats involved a more scientific and objective approach to recording nature. This aesthetic was abandoned in favor for narrative recreations and Hollywood structure after the 1930s. It is my belief that the dominant use of anthropomorphization, manipulations of setting and animal life, and rugged explorer motifs, all have lead to a loss of a more contemplative and meditative appreciation of nature within the Nature television and film format. It is my goal to explore through a series of videos how one can more naturally represent a setting through the use of perspective and compositional framing, matching the natural rhythms of a setting through editing and motion, and being conscious of the viewers sense of placement in a space. I intend to visually demonstrate how a more organic, situated, and less Hollywood-style of interpreting nature can lead to a deeper and more meaningful appreciation of it.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006490, ucf:51393
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006490

Title: SURVIVING REALITY: SURVIVOR & PARASOCIAL INTERACTION.
Creator: Davila-Rosado, Pedro, Collins, Steven, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Parasocial interaction is the name that Horton & Wohl coined to describe a viewer's attachmentent toward onscreen persona that they had never physically interacted with (1956). A. Rubin, Perse, & Powell (1985) continued the research and created the Parasocial Interaction Scale. The scale has become the standard in gauging parasocial interaction in various forms of media from soap operas to newscasts. The purpose of this study was top examine parasocial interaction and see if the concept could...
Show moreParasocial interaction is the name that Horton & Wohl coined to describe a viewer's attachmentent toward onscreen persona that they had never physically interacted with (1956). A. Rubin, Perse, & Powell (1985) continued the research and created the Parasocial Interaction Scale. The scale has become the standard in gauging parasocial interaction in various forms of media from soap operas to newscasts. The purpose of this study was top examine parasocial interaction and see if the concept could be applied to the current television trend of reality television. Simultaneously, the study also examined parasocial interaction and its possible connections to loneliness, interpersonal functional alternatives, television viewing motives, exposure, gender, age, and spokesperson selection. The data for this study was collected on the Internet website www.Survivorthesis.com. More than 450 respondents attempted the survey, but only 444 were viable due to incomplete data, repetition, and lack of proof of age. The results of the study found that there was a link between parasocial interaction and loneliness, exposure, spokesperson selection, and television viewing motives. There was no correlation found between parasocial interaction and interpersonal functional alternatives, age, gender.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001090, ucf:46779
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001090

Title: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGES' PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADVENT OF HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION.
Creator: Wyly, Sharon, Tubbs, LeVester, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Throughout the literature, researchers reported on the problems that post-secondary institutions have had with technology (Birchard, 2001; Green, 2003; Starrett & Rogers, 2003;). Given limited budgets and the need to train faculty and staff, many colleges have struggled to find a way to use technology to enhance, not hinder, pedagogy (Cuban, 2001; Oppenheimer, 2003). This study was conducted to examine the impact of the federally mandated change in the television standard to high definition...
Show moreThroughout the literature, researchers reported on the problems that post-secondary institutions have had with technology (Birchard, 2001; Green, 2003; Starrett & Rogers, 2003;). Given limited budgets and the need to train faculty and staff, many colleges have struggled to find a way to use technology to enhance, not hinder, pedagogy (Cuban, 2001; Oppenheimer, 2003). This study was conducted to examine the impact of the federally mandated change in the television standard to high definition television (HDTV) on Florida's community colleges. Surveys were sent to the chief technology officers of the 28 community colleges in Florida. Additionally, eight interviews were conducted in five of the institutions. From both the qualitative data and the quantitative data, a picture emerged of the institutions and the conversion status. Of the 17 survey respondents, 11 reported no plans for conversion. Of those that did have plans for conversion, few concrete details were reported. Instead, the representatives of the institutions seemed to believe that it was not necessary to make plans for the change to HDTV. Costs represented the major concern of the survey respondents with implementation and training listed as the second and third most important issues. Many participants from the community colleges had some thoughts about HDTV, but these were more on the departmental level rather than college-wide. HDTV was projected to become the television standard in February 2009. The long lead time on this innovation should have provided community colleges with time to plan. As revealed, however, community colleges in Florida failed to plan for change.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002005, ucf:47629
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002005

Title: COLLEGE STUDENTS' RECALL OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARD BRAND PLACEMENT IN REALITY TELEVISION PROGRAMMING.
Creator: Fayemi, Temitayo, Kenney, Richard, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis measures college students' attitudes toward, and the effectiveness of, brand placement in the genre of reality television. Surveys were used to discover the level of brand recall for the products and brands displayed in reality television programming and to discover viewers' reported reasons for paying attention to these brands. The study found that viewers tended to have positive attitudes toward brand placement in reality television and that focus on a brand was a major reason...
Show moreThis thesis measures college students' attitudes toward, and the effectiveness of, brand placement in the genre of reality television. Surveys were used to discover the level of brand recall for the products and brands displayed in reality television programming and to discover viewers' reported reasons for paying attention to these brands. The study found that viewers tended to have positive attitudes toward brand placement in reality television and that focus on a brand was a major reason for recall. Furthermore, the study found no significant difference in the recall scores of reality television viewers versus non-viewers and no significant difference based on the perceived level of the reality of the programming.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0000921, ucf:46735
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000921

Title: MEDIA INFLUENCE ON YOUNG ADULTS SEXUAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS.
Creator: Hackbarth, Heather, Collins, Steve, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research has shown that sexual content is prevalent in television programming and that this content can have an effect on the viewer's attitudes about sex. This study examined this relationship within the theoretical framework of cultivation and social cognitive theories. This study used a survey to examine these relationships in young students at a large southeastern university. The researchers targeted freshmen, many in their first semester, for this study to get the best measure of...
Show moreResearch has shown that sexual content is prevalent in television programming and that this content can have an effect on the viewer's attitudes about sex. This study examined this relationship within the theoretical framework of cultivation and social cognitive theories. This study used a survey to examine these relationships in young students at a large southeastern university. The researchers targeted freshmen, many in their first semester, for this study to get the best measure of attitudes, before they were influenced by college life. In addition to examining the effects of television viewing, the researcher looked at the effects of exposure to other media that may contain sexual content, such as magazines, Internet, DVD's, video games, and music. The study did not find significant relationships between television viewing and students' sexual attitudes and behaviors, but it did find several strong relationships among sexual attitudes and behaviors and students' exposure to other forms of media that may contain sexual content, including music, films, video games, and DVDs.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001040, ucf:46817
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001040

Title: THE IMPACT OF MEDIA ON ATTITUDES TOWARD WOMEN AND SEXUAL ATTITUDES IN EMERGING ADULTS.
Creator: Patrick, Melissa, Wright, Chrysalis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between exposure to media variables and emerging adults' attitudes toward women and sex. Previous research indicated that exposure to media variables can influence the thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes of those exposed. The current study examined how age at exposure to media variables impacted attitudes about sex and attitudes toward women. Six-hundred and ninety four college students were given a questionnaire containing an...
Show moreThe purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between exposure to media variables and emerging adults' attitudes toward women and sex. Previous research indicated that exposure to media variables can influence the thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes of those exposed. The current study examined how age at exposure to media variables impacted attitudes about sex and attitudes toward women. Six-hundred and ninety four college students were given a questionnaire containing an attitudes toward women scale, a sexual attitudes scale, and a media viewing questionnaire. ANOVAS and linear regressions were performed on the data and results for the study were significant. Results indicated that age of media exposure impacted sexual attitudes and attitudes toward women.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFH0004521, ucf:45171
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004521

Title: LISTENING TO THE APPLAUSE AND BOOS: TELEVISION, ONLINE MESSAGE BOARDS, AND A CALL TO ACTION.
Creator: DiNobile, Shanna, Brown, Timothy, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study examines the relationship between television shows and their corresponding websites featuring interactive message boards looking at the motivations and gratifications that users cited as reasons for being connected to a program. Information found provides knowledge on why viewers are drawn to TV, and what rewards they gain from the actions they perform beyond viewing the show. Specifically, this study examines if viewing a television show and discussing it on an online message...
Show moreThis study examines the relationship between television shows and their corresponding websites featuring interactive message boards looking at the motivations and gratifications that users cited as reasons for being connected to a program. Information found provides knowledge on why viewers are drawn to TV, and what rewards they gain from the actions they perform beyond viewing the show. Specifically, this study examines if viewing a television show and discussing it on an online message board created the gratification of a greater sense of emotional attachment with the show, and if this sense of heightened emotional connection encouraged the board user to take action or become involved in some other manner other than just viewing TV. A survey featuring Likert Scale and free response options in reference to the participants' television viewing and Internet usage habits was distributed to undergraduate students at the University of Central Florida, and also to the general population with an Internet survey. Information gained from this study will aid television producers and creators to better understand the habits of their message board audiences, and what actions could be taken to entice more viewers to view extra content in relation to the TV show, and how to get users to be more interactive with their product. By providing information about message boards' abilities to encourage emotion and action, more satisfying content can be created by the producers, and the users can gain a greater understanding of their media consumption.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002671, ucf:48193
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002671

Title: THE PORTRAYAL OF TEEN PREGNANCY IN THE TV SERIES "THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER".
Creator: Lovell, Erin, DeLorme, Denise, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The aim of the current study was to investigate the way teen pregnancy is portrayed in Seasons 1 and 2 of the television drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Framing theory and social cognitive theory were used as guiding frameworks for exploring the way the main character's pregnancy was presented and the way this presentation may influence the ideas and behaviors of viewers. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to examine portrayals in the first 23 episodes. Results...
Show moreThe aim of the current study was to investigate the way teen pregnancy is portrayed in Seasons 1 and 2 of the television drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Framing theory and social cognitive theory were used as guiding frameworks for exploring the way the main character's pregnancy was presented and the way this presentation may influence the ideas and behaviors of viewers. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to examine portrayals in the first 23 episodes. Results indicated that teen pregnancy was portrayed in five major ways: as Dramatic, as Identity, as Manageable, as Transformative, and as Serious. Overall, the findings suggest that teen pregnancy was presented in ways that encourage viewers to perceive this issue as positive and negative, with clearly positive outcomes.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003691, ucf:48806
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003691

Title: Affective Response of African American and European American Students to Portrayals of Cross-racial Relationships on Television.
Creator: Mowatt, Earl, Wright, James, Carter, James, Rivera, Fernando, Kinnally, William, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Race is a potent discourse within the world of pop culture, particularly in television where viewers are witnessing more racial diversity in scripted shows. However, show creators must maintain standards that emphasize distinct social roles among characters in order to appeal to large heterogeneous audiences. These roles tend to be characterizations of racial stereotypes that often lead to biased opinions and inaccurate perceptions of minority groups. Previous studies detail that racial...
Show moreRace is a potent discourse within the world of pop culture, particularly in television where viewers are witnessing more racial diversity in scripted shows. However, show creators must maintain standards that emphasize distinct social roles among characters in order to appeal to large heterogeneous audiences. These roles tend to be characterizations of racial stereotypes that often lead to biased opinions and inaccurate perceptions of minority groups. Previous studies detail that racial biases in media adversely shape public opinions about African Americans and depress the desire for racial integration. This seems somewhat confounding since the shift in programming towards racial diversity presumes increased affirmation, importance, and validity of African Americans and other minority groups. This study investigates the affective response of Black and White college students to cross-race relationships on TV and the perceived realism of these media depictions. Since these relationship forms are now becoming part of television's pop culture, and pop culture reflects co-existing attitudes and values in society, it is important that they be examined. Additionally, examining cross-racial relationships may help in understanding larger race relations in the United States.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004268, ucf:49539
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004268

Title: THE TYLER PERRY EFFECT: EXAMINING THE INFLUENCE OF BLACK MEDIA IMAGES ON THE BLACK IDENTITY.
Creator: Jackson, Nicole, Musambira, George, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigated the influence of Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Meet the Browns on black viewers' racial identity, based on a survey of 145 members of four predominantly African American churches in the Central Florida area. Mirroring Allen, Dawson, and Brown's (1989) model of an African American racial belief system, this study proposed that both shows would positively influence three dimensions of the black identity including closeness to blacks, black separatism, and the belief...
Show moreThis study investigated the influence of Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Meet the Browns on black viewers' racial identity, based on a survey of 145 members of four predominantly African American churches in the Central Florida area. Mirroring Allen, Dawson, and Brown's (1989) model of an African American racial belief system, this study proposed that both shows would positively influence three dimensions of the black identity including closeness to blacks, black separatism, and the belief in positive stereotypes about blacks, while negatively influencing the dimension that emphasizes negative stereotypes about blacks. Socioeconomic status and religiosity were also hypothesized to predict exposure to both shows. The results show that while House of Payne positively influenced two dimensions of the black identity including closeness to blacks and the belief in positive stereotypes about blacks, Meet the Browns did not have a statistically significant relationship with any of the dimensions of the black identity. Additionally, results showed mixed support for the relationship between socioeconomic status, religiosity, and show exposure. While education had a negative relationship with exposure to both House of Payne and Meet the Browns, the income variable revealed no significant results with either show. Lastly, religiosity was shown to be a significant predictor of exposure to House of Payne, but not Meet the Browns. The findings suggest that Perry's shows may be considered by viewers as more beneficial than harmful to viewers to their racial identity and experience, which contradicts the critiques of his images as reverberating with negative stereotypical images of the past. Findings also suggest the importance of education and religion to black socialization patterns.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003957, ucf:48708
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003957

Title: A SOCIAL COGNITIVE APPROACH TOWARDS UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF POPULAR POKER TELEVISION SHOWS ON COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Londo, Marc, Shaver, Dan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Tournament poker shows have become a leading ratings draw on American television. Since ESPN and the Travel Channel began airing their innovative poker shows in 2003, the game has reached a new following, particularly among college students. There are unique and psychologically significant factors that characterize the college population that make students particularly receptive to popular characterizations in media. This study investigates the potential exacerbating effect that these widely...
Show moreTournament poker shows have become a leading ratings draw on American television. Since ESPN and the Travel Channel began airing their innovative poker shows in 2003, the game has reached a new following, particularly among college students. There are unique and psychologically significant factors that characterize the college population that make students particularly receptive to popular characterizations in media. This study investigates the potential exacerbating effect that these widely popular poker television shows have on the gambling behavior of college students. 444 college students completed a survey designed to assess gratifications sought through media along with measures of attitudes, gambling behavior, and social systems. Using Social Cognitive Theory as a framework of influence, exposure to these shows – ranging from the individual student to the overall college environment – was assessed and evaluated. Results indicated that student gambling is strongly correlated to viewership of poker shows, particularly among younger students. This was especially seen among students who utilized the online gambling option. Gambling behavior of peers wasn't shown to be a strong influence for student gambling. However, excitement was shown to be a strong variable that should be looked at closer.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001087, ucf:46781
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001087

Title: CLAIMS OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY:AN EXAMINATION OF U.S. TELEVISION FOOD COMMERCIALS AND THE ADULT OBESITY ISSUE.
Creator: Delgado, Cristina, DeLorme, Denise, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Obesity is one of the major public health issues in the United States, often regarded as part of a global crisis. Companies invest billions of dollars each year towards television advertising campaigns aimed at convincing audiences how their ground-breaking discovery 'battles the bulge' or somehow offers an increased health benefit. This study examined how advertisers presented health-related claims, including health and nutrient-content claims, in U.S. adult-targeted television food...
Show moreObesity is one of the major public health issues in the United States, often regarded as part of a global crisis. Companies invest billions of dollars each year towards television advertising campaigns aimed at convincing audiences how their ground-breaking discovery 'battles the bulge' or somehow offers an increased health benefit. This study examined how advertisers presented health-related claims, including health and nutrient-content claims, in U.S. adult-targeted television food commercials. The claims were compared to FTC, FDA, and USDA laws, regulations, and recommendations. A content analysis of food advertising was conducted of commercials from major and cable network programs broadcast during prime-time in the first quarter of 2009. The majority of claims match current regulations when compared to Federal references. The results show that Nutrient and Wellness claims were the most frequently cited. The type of benefit, Healthy Eating, emerged almost 3 times more than any other benefit type. This is also similar to those results which suggest advertisers' intentions were to promote overall wellness in their content delivery. As such, the Wellness Approach was identified and conceptualized, leading towards full development of a Wellness Effect theory. Implications and future research opportunities are discussed on both a theoretical and practical level.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002565, ucf:48260
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002565

Title: PAUL VERHOEVEN, MEDIA MANIPULATION, AND HYPER-REALITY.
Creator: Malchiodi, Emmanuel, Janz, Bruce, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Dutch director Paul Verhoeven is a polarizing figure. Although many of his American made films have received considerable praise and financial success, he has been lambasted on countless occasions for his gratuitous use of sex, violence, and contentious symbolism - 1995s Showgirls was overwhelmingly dubbed the worst film of all time and 1997s Starship Troopers earned him a reputation as a fascist. Regardless of the controversy surrounding him, his science fiction films are a move beyond the...
Show moreDutch director Paul Verhoeven is a polarizing figure. Although many of his American made films have received considerable praise and financial success, he has been lambasted on countless occasions for his gratuitous use of sex, violence, and contentious symbolism - 1995s Showgirls was overwhelmingly dubbed the worst film of all time and 1997s Starship Troopers earned him a reputation as a fascist. Regardless of the controversy surrounding him, his science fiction films are a move beyond the conventions of the big blockbuster science fiction films of the 1980s (E.T. and the Star Wars trilogy are prime examples), revealing a deeper exploration of both sociopolitical issues and the human condition. Much like the novels of Philip K. Dick (and Verhoeven's 1990 film Total Recall - an adaptation of a Dick short story), Verhoeven's science fiction work explores worlds where paranoia is a constant and determining whether an individual maintains any liberty is regularly questionable. In this thesis I am basically exploring issues regarding power. Although I barely bring up the term power in it, I feel it is central. Power is an ambiguous term; are we discussing physical power, state power, objective power, subjective power, or any of the other possible manifestations of the word? The original Anglo-French version of power means to be able,asking whether it is possible for one to do something. In relation to Verhoeven's science fiction work each demonstrates the limitations placed upon an individual's autonomy, asking are the protagonists capable of independent agency or rather just environmental constructs reflecting the myriad influences surrounding them. Does the individual really matter in the post-modern world, brimming with countless signs and signifiers? My main objective in this writing is to demonstrate how this happens in Verhoeven's films, exploring his central themes and subtext and doing what science fiction does: hold a mirror up to the contemporary world and critique it, asking whether our species' current trajectory is beneficial or hazardous.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFH0003844, ucf:44697
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003844

television (6)	+ -
media (3)	+ -
framing theory (2)	+ -
reality television (2)	+ -
social cognitive theory (2)	+ -

Advertising -- Psychological aspects (1)	+ -
Amusing Ourselves to Death (1)	+ -
Arachnids (1)	+ -
Arnold Schwarzenegger (1)	+ -
Basic Instinct (1)	+ -
Bill Hicks (1)	+ -
CSI Effect (1)	+ -
Casper Van Dien (1)	+ -
Community college (1)	+ -
Crime TV shows (1)	+ -
David Cronenberg (1)	+ -
Denise Richards (1)	+ -
Discipline and Punish (1)	+ -
ED-209 (1)	+ -
ESPN (1)	+ -
Federal Network (1)	+ -
Federal regulation (1)	+ -
Forensic (1)	+ -
Hyper-Reality (1)	+ -
Internet (1)	+ -
Internet poker (1)	+ -
Isaac Asimov (1)	+ -
John Carpenter (1)	+ -
Manufacturing Consent (1)	+ -
Marshall McLuhan (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (12)	+ -
Honors Collection (4)	+ -

University of Central Florida (15)	+ -
DeLorme, Denise (2)	+ -
Adams, JoAnne (1)	+ -
Alves, Giovanna M (1)	+ -
Brown, Timothy (1)	+ -

Carter, James (1)	+ -
Collins, Steve (1)	+ -
Collins, Steven (1)	+ -
Crivelli, Mary E (1)	+ -
Davila-Rosado, Pedro (1)	+ -
Delgado, Cristina (1)	+ -
DiNobile, Shanna (1)	+ -
Dierdorff, Brooks (1)	+ -
Fayemi, Temitayo (1)	+ -
Hackbarth, Heather (1)	+ -
Hancock, Peter A. (1)	+ -
Jackson, Nicole (1)	+ -
Janz, Bruce (1)	+ -
Kenney, Richard (1)	+ -
Kinnally, William (1)	+ -
Londo, Marc (1)	+ -
Lovell, Erin (1)	+ -
Malchiodi, Emmanuel (1)	+ -
Mauer, Barry (1)	+ -
Meeske, Milan D. (1)	+ -
Mowatt, Earl (1)	+ -
Musambira, George (1)	+ -
Neuman, Terry A. (1)	+ -
Patrick, Melissa (1)	+ -
Peters, Philip (1)	+ -

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