This dissertation examines the contribution of user-generated digital content to political candidates' media personas, specifically those of the two major-party contenders in the Texas 2018 Senate midterm election: the incumbent Senator Rafael "Ted" Cruz, and his challenger, Robert "Beto" O'Rourke. Data from online spaces dedicated to each of the candidates on the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and Tumblr platforms from September 1, 2018 through November 14, 2018 were collected and analyzed using Critical Discourse Analysis. Overall, both pro-Cruz and pro-O'Rourke content spaces emphasized the importance of the authentic performance of ethnic identity. In addition, hegemonic masculinity was upheld as an important marker of a candidate's suitability for public office, while stereotypically feminine behaviors were positioned negatively. Heterosexuality was also characterized as masculine (and therefore more desirable in a political candidate), while homosexuality was associated with femininity. Finally, both Cruz and O'Rourke content made arguments based on the personal characteristics of the candidates. While Cruz supporters tended to use traditional symbols associated with the United States and Christianity, O'Rourke supporters used references to popular culture in their characterizations of the candidates. There was also an elision in both communities between American values, Christian values, whiteness, and capitalism. These findings offer several conclusions about digital political participation in candidate image management. First, users generally extend narratives begun by official campaign materials and popular press coverage. Second, traditionally "American" values were upheld across the political spectrum as important for candidates to embody. Finally, the demographics of different platforms can determine what type of content is predominantly shared, as well as whether and how different affordances are incorporated, such as hashtags. As digital content increasingly plays a role in electoral politics, this study contributes to an understanding of the significance of users' digital political participation in forming candidates' images and garnering support.

This study examined the effects of verbal suggestion and music listening on mood changes of college students. The 135 volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (Condition 1/somber depiction with music, Condition 2/pleasant depiction with music, or Condition 3/music only). The Profile of Mood States was administered before and after each condition. Significant differences (p<.05) were found between pre and posttest scores within the groups; however, no significant differences were found among the groups for these same measures. A music questionnaire was administered following the posttest which examined the subjects' preference for the music played, the frequency of experiencing images while listening to music, and their opinion concerning whether the depiction complemented the music. Implications of the results are discussed, and suggestions for future research are given.

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a description of the emerging state of the public relations field in Albania under the framework and influence of four main public relations worldviews including persuasive/marketing, relationship management, community building, and personal influence. This study seeks to give insights into how an emerging country in the field of public relations approaches the development of the field; whether it adapts, adopts or creates new practices. The research design proposed by the author aims to shed some light on possible theoretical meanings and themes that could be developing in countries where the field of public relations is emerging. Based on the findings and the underdeveloped nature of public relations as identified in this study, the author proposes a training program for public relations practitioners and professors that would help to advance the development of the field in Albania.

Genom en empirisk studie undersöker denna uppsats på vilka sätt och i vilken utsträcking man i en svensk högstadieskola efterföljer läroplanen vad gäller elevers rättigheter till inflytande över undervisningen.Undersökningen baseras på intervjuer med både elever och deras lärare. Resultaten av intervjuerna jämförs med varandra, och mot läroplanerna Lgr11 och Lpo94. Eleverna upplever sina möjligheter till inflytande som begränsade, medan lärarna ger en lite mer positiv bild av deras samspel i den här frågan. Det framkommer även att man arbetar mycket med att öka elevinflytandet på skolan, men att man har en lång väg att vandra innan man lever upp till läroplanernas paragrafer.

Media effects on body dissatisfaction is a long-studied issue; however, aspects of the research – such as those regarding cultivation theory and its effects on body image – are unclear or incomplete. This study attempts to clarify the relationship between cultivation and body dissatisfaction. Besides cultivation, social comparison theory is also examined because upward comparisons with media images and peers can shape and reinforce body image attitudes as well. Additionally, the study examines the connection between media and body dissatisfaction by looking at a broader social context – one that includes other social/environmental influences, such as peer and parental attitudes, as well as internal influences such as self-esteem. A sample of 285 female undergraduate students completed media exposure, parental influence, peer influence, and self-esteem measures, as well as internalization of the thin-ideal and body dissatisfaction measures. Overall, the study found that while peer comparisons and self-esteem are associated with internalization of the thin ideal, they are not as powerful as the most significant indicators – media attitudes regarding weight and body shape and media comparisons. Contrastingly, peer comparisons and self-esteem were observed to be the strongest indicators of body dissatisfaction. These findings suggest that cultivation is directly associated with the internalization of the thin ideal. However, the cultivation of media messages may not have a direct effect on body dissatisfaction, as social/environmental influences and the internal variable of self-esteem proved to be the most significant indicators.

Career decidedness at early stages produces positive effects on student performance, college completion, and professional development. Emerging adults are taking 5 to 10 years longer to make career decisions than non-emerging adults (Lehmann & Konstam, 2011). The purpose of this study will be to use quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain a deeper understanding of parental involvement in college students’ career decision-making and its influences on their career readiness and development. College students will provide information on their parents’ involvement and influence during their secondary education. Ultimately, this research will identify how family influences the career decision-making processes and will educate professionals about how to incorporate the family as a way to avoid delays in the desired career paths of emerging adults. This mixed methods study investigated the influence of family on the career decisionmaking process among emerging adults attending a metropolitan university in the southeastern United States. It also sought to identify the nature of parental involvement in activities, academic achievement, choosing a major, and career choice in college students. The first two questions formulated the basis for quantitative research methods, and qualitative methods aided in exploring the third question. The Career Involvement and Influence Questionnaire (CIIQ) and the Career Development Inventory (CDI) provide the source of data collection for this study. The study yielded no significant relationship or differences among caregivers’ (mothers, fathers, and other caregivers) involvement in career decisions (CIIQ) or future influences and level of career iv decidedness (CDI). The qualitative results provided clarity as to some of the commonalities and differences that existed among responses of the participants. Implications of the findings refer to counselor education, clinical practice, and future research.

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<p> Statistical analyses between the relationship of tree-ring widths with variations in climate were used to examine the limiting climatic factors upon the growth rate of Picea mariana along the treeline and in hopes of reconstructing past climate. Tree-ring widths were used as a proxy measure of growth rates to establish the relationship of annual variances in temperature and precipitation on the growth rate of trees. Twelve tree cores were sampled from separate trees along the treeline northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The trees, (with cores spanning 40 -160 years per tree), were compared to monthly and seasonal variations of both temperature and precipitations. A stepwise regression model was used to examine the climate-growth response. No climatic variables were found to illicit a general response pattern. The growth rate of trees along the treeline, northeast of Yellowknife do not appear to be dependent upon variations in the regional climate. Therefore, no climatic reconstructions were possible.</p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Arts (BA)

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