Communication Research
Communication Research
May 2024 - May 2025
Katie Schneider-Thomas
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kyle Hull
The Communication Environment of Fan Groups
Parasocial relationships, a one-sided relationship formed between media consumers and personalities such as musicians or actors, are commonly studied as a method of persuasion in marketing research. However, little is known about how parasocial relationships affect communities or groups such as fan bases. This study examines the potential for hostility in fan groups who share parasocial relationships to one common figure. Since fan bases often have high levels of emotional involvement, this study hypothesizes that those with higher levels of parasocial interaction, consumption of media containing the chosen persona, are more likely to commit hostility against others with similar parasocial relationships due to feelings of competition.
May 2021 - May 2022
Assessing the Efficacy of A Gamified Interpersonal Communication Course
Lindsay Hillstrom
The purpose of this research is to code, organize and analyze the collected data, test hypotheses regarding student outcomes, and determine if a gamified course is significantly different from a standard course with regard to specific interpersonal communication measures. The context of this study will be an archival data analysis of extant self-report survey measures.
Faculty Advisor: Ian M. Borton
Funded by: Aquinas College Summer Scholars Program
May 2018 - May 2019
Restorative Justice Program Inquiry
Madeleine Lince
This project seeks to understand the perceptions of American restorative justice practitioners. Research is conducted via narrative interviews and archival document analysis. Results will be used to generate a practitioner/facilitator follow-up survey.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ian M. Borton
Funded by: Aquinas College Summer Scholars Program