Date of Award
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Jon F. Schamber
First Committee Member
Qingwen Dong
Second Committee Member
Kenneth D. Day
Abstract
This study examined which channels, messages, and sources were most effective in increasing political involvement among college students. Political participation among college students has decreased in every election since eighteen year- olds were given the right to vote. Numerous campaigns targeted to increase political participation among college students have been implemented but there is no evidence that these campaigns have been effective.
This study developed a grounded theory for increasing political participation among college students l;!ased on several focus group interactions. Students were asked to report on which channels, messages and sources they currently received political information from and were then asked to collaborate on which channels, messages, and sources they predicted would increase political participation among college students. The grounded theory indicated that simplicity and convenience in information acquisition and reform in political dialogue regarding message formation, credibility, trustworthiness, and honesty from message sources were necessary in increasing political participation among college students.
Previous research has stopped short of making predications based on prior research and qualitative analysis of what is truly effective in increasing political involvement among college students. This study sheds important insights toward increasing political involvement among college students from a comprehensive communication perspective.
Pages
64
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Vanessa M.. (2007). College students and voter mobilization campaigns : a grounded communication theory for increasing political efficacy and involvement. University of the Pacific, Thesis. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/667
Included in
American Politics Commons, American Studies Commons, Education Commons, Political History Commons, United States History Commons
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