Communication Studies

 NameResearch Interests
Assoc Prof Adam Joel KneeCurrent research interests include new Southeast Asian cinemas (especially Thai cinema); film genre (especially horror and science fiction) and genre theory; race and gender in American film; film stardom; American television in the 1950s-60s.
Prof Ang Peng HwaAng Peng Hwa's research area is internet governance and media law and policy.
Asst Prof Anil Laxman PathakMy research expertise in the following areas. Most of my publications relate to these areas. - Training and education related to Communication Skills development - Online learning platforms More specifically, my current publications deal with - Use and analysis of discourse in communication - Use of Learner narratives in Syllabus design - Instructional design for open learning
Asst Prof Arul Indrasen ChibDr. Arul Chib's research and teaching examines the impact of campaigns delivered via a range of communication technologies. The primary theoretical deliberation is around developing a robust explication of the mechanisms underlying the process of media effects. The analysis attempts to bridge multiple level of analysis: technology-mediated effects at the individual level and socially-mediated effects at the structural level. In terms of theorizing, the literature on health campaigns shows a paucity of documented learnings about specific projects. Much of the evidence is anecdotal, atheoretical, or at the global level of analysis. Further, while recently there is a trend towards looking at collective social-level phenomena, the theory lags the praxis. The notion that the process of social change brought about by communication technologies involves interaction between members of the social system, in addition to the direct effects paradigm, is far from new. Comparative testing of the mixed influence of communication technologies and interpersonal communication, and the process by which this occurs, has rarely been clarified in much detail, or linked to theoretical constructs. My research aims to develop quantitative models and methodologies that can capture processes at both individual and subgroup levels. I co-developed a stochastic, agent-based simulation model of information diffusion, called dFusion that examines these two influences: socially- and technology-mediated. It focuses on differential, rather than absolute, speeds of access to information. Specifically, the model demonstrates a clear causal link between social and/or media latency and the equality of information diffusion in a given network. The next step was to examine field-based data for testing theoretical validity. The model was tested using JHUCCP data collected during an HIV/AIDS media campaign in Namibia. Integrating traditional statistical analysis with social network analysis reveals the significance of socio-structural factors. Methodologically, limitations arise from missing attribute data of alters (individuals in one's network); diminishing validity of network measures of betweenness, a vital aspect of information flows. Further, the lack of panel data limits the ability to measure social influences. To address these concerns, my 2005 research project is designed as a pre-post health intervention located in the barrios (slums) of Lima, Peru. Multimedia games targeted at youth aid in sexual and reproductive health learning. We find that technology-mediated game-playing can be as, and in some cases are more effective than traditional health interventions. Further, the nature of a respondents' social ties (friendship, advice, and co-playing) determines the impact on efficacy and learning. Behavioral measures were inadequate for theoretical analysis due to the limited length of the intervention. Methodologically, self-reporting of social ties may be less revealing than measuring actual social interaction. My current research project presents an opportunity to address these limitations. I spent 2006-7 in the field initiating multiple ICT for development (ICT4D) projects in tsunami-affected countries. Foremost amongst these was a UNICEF/ UNFPA/ World Vision-funded cell-phone solution to improve maternal and infant mortality in the tsunami-ravaged regions of Banda-Aceh, Indonesia. This allows rural midwives to link up to hospital-based doctors to aid complicated pregnancies, receive training and support from coordinators at health centers, and instantaneously deliver medical indicators via SMS to a central database. This project, divided into test and control groups, has multiple data-collection points extending over 18 months. Traditional survey methodologies and social network analysis are triangulated with qualitative interviews, health-care statistics and telecommunication data.
Asst Prof Astrid Al MkhlaafyGraphic Design history, typography, live art as communication and participation art. Currently working on two funded research and design projects using GPS, video and site-specific research in South East Asia and China. The research is focused on pilgrimage sites, metaphorical mountains, and the Tao mountains of China.
Asst Prof Augustine PangCrisis communications Strategic Conflict Management Image management and repair Public relations Media sociology and systems
Assoc Prof Benjamin Hill DetenberDr. Detenber's research interests include the following: Cognitive and Emotional Responses to Media Use and Impact of Information and Communication Technologies Internet Studies Computer-mediated Communication Media and Public Opinion Political Communication Quantitative Research Methods
Asst Prof Bradley C FreemanHis research interests include community and campus radio, popular culture, political communication, media credibility, and sound design. He is a strong advocate for students studying abroad during their academic career. ? He has contributed articles and conference papers on a wide variety of topics, and has been a source for numerous media stories throughout the United States. He appeared several times on New York City's Fox 5 "Good Day New York" program, speaking on new media technologies and radio. He has supervised research projects on religion in the media, Asian-American representation, and political internet blogs. He has served as Editorial Assistant for the research publication Communication Research.
Asst Prof Chan Kin Ying BrendaGender and Popular Culture Hong Kong cinema Popular music (Mandarin pop and Cantopop)
Asst Prof Chen Hsueh-huaHer research interests include communication beaviors and culture in digital games, the impact of digital games, intercultural communication, culturla identity, cultural diversity, and virtual culture.
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