Critical/Cultural Studies of Communication/Media

Critical and cultural studies offer invaluable insight as to how communication affects media and vice-versa. While there are currently hundreds of studies taking place that attempt to establish basic premises about new media, nationwide advertising campaigns and interpersonal communicative development, critical analysis is needed to develop raw data into usable information. In the blogs in this category, we will discuss new studies from leading media and communication experts and offer our own take on the latest research and critical theory. We will explore the findings of some of the top researchers in media/communication fields and try to develop a better understanding of the ways that we interact and how our Internet, television and print media can affect our interactions.

No Image

Training away stereotypes

November 3, 2010 coms 0

It may seem difficult to change stereotypical thinking. Perceptions can be very important in forming an individual’s attitudes. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that people conditioned to think in opposition to racial stereotypes are more receptive to people from minority groups starring in commercial advertising.

No Image

Women executives twice as likely to leave their jobs as men

October 5, 2010 coms 0

A new study has determined that female executives are more than twice as likely to leave their jobs – voluntarily and involuntarily – as men. Yet despite systemic evidence that women are more likely to depart from their positions, the researchers did not find strong patterns of discrimination.

No Image

Children of LGBTQ Parents Exhibit Healthier Behavior, Says New Research

September 24, 2010 coms 0

New research on the children of LGBTQ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) has unequivocally revealed that they are not only psychologically healthy, but often appear to exhibit better social and academic adjustment and a significantly lower incidence of social problems than their peers. A new article published in the journal Family Process critically examines this research, and how it impacts LGBTQ families.

No Image

For Teens, Early Sex and Media Exposure Not Linked

September 22, 2010 coms 0

The prevalence of sex in the mainstream media has led many researchers to study its effect on impressionable adolescents. Several published, peer-reviewed studies have indicated that there is a link between exposure to sex in the media and the early onset of sexual activity among teens. However, a study led by Temple psychologist Laurence Steinberg questions these findings.

No Image

Perception of Emotion Is Culture-Specific

September 17, 2010 coms 0

Want to know how a Japanese person is feeling? Pay attention to the tone of his voice, not his face. That’s what other Japanese people would do, anyway. A new study examines how Dutch and Japanese people assess others’ emotions and finds that Dutch people pay attention to the facial expression more than Japanese people do.

No Image

Gender Gap In Spatial Ability Can Be Reduced Through Training

September 16, 2010 coms 0

Barriers to children’s achievement in the areas of science, math, and engineering have become a particular concern as policymakers focus on America’s economic competitiveness. A gender difference in girls’ spatial abilities emerges very early in development, and researchers have suggested that this difference may be a source of gaps in achievement in math and science for girls. A new study just published in Child Development describes an intervention that is effective in eliminating the gender gap in spatial abilities.

No Image

Today’s superheroes send wrong image to boys, say researchers

August 31, 2010 coms 0

Watching superheroes beat up villains may not be the best image for boys to see if society wants to promote kinder, less stereotypical male behaviors, according to psychologists who spoke Sunday at the 118th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association.