R2015

Authors
Daphne Tan Su Yin, Farah Diyanah Binte Abdul Fattar, Yeong Kar Yan & Yong Mun Weng

Supervisors
Assoc Prof May O. Lwin, Asst Prof Shin Wonsun

Year
2015

Abstract
This applied research project aims to investigate the sugar consumption patterns of children and influencers of intention to reduce sugar intake. In Study One, a pen-and-paper survey was conducted on 432 primary school children, aged 9 to 12, to investigate the predictors of intention to reduce sugar intake based on the Integrated Behavioural Model. Findings indicate that self-efficacy and perceived control are the greatest predictors of intention to reduce sugar, while knowledge is also negatively associated with sugar intake. Study Two involved the design of an intervention workshop, where 411 primary school children in the same age group took part in an applied experiment where the children in intervention group were exposed to a three-hour health intervention programme. The results showed that the programme was effective in influencing four target dependent variables, self-efficacy, perceived control, intention, knowledge. We also found that male characters in the message materials were preferred over female characters, especially for younger subjects.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/63357

Authors
Lim Wen Bin Nigel, Loh Yi Jin Clara, Neo Hui Yan Eileen & Ong Huilin Adeline

Supervisors
Assoc Prof Benjamin Hill Detenber, Assoc Prof Shirley Ho Soo Yee

Year
2015

Abstract
This study examined complementary and competitive framing environments to distill the effects of frame direction (pro- and/or anti- positions), frame emphases (economic and/or survival frames), and the two types of frame competition on support for and attitudes toward pro-environmental behaviours (PEB) and green energy technologies (GET). Results derived from a purposive sample of university students (N = 525) suggest that frames are more effective in shifting participants’ attitudes than support — evidence of the attitude-behaviour gap. In general, complementary frames produced classic framing effects, while competitive frames produced middle ground positions, which is consistent with current literature. Findings suggest the limited ability of communication frames in competitive environments to effectively engage and drive change beyond the attitudinal level.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/62499

Image Credit
Featured image Dry riverbed by Flickr user Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security. CC BY 2.0.

Authors
Jean Peiying Serene, Jessica Sng Cheun Yin, Zhang Jiawei & Lew Zi Jian

Supervisors
Assoc Prof Benjamin Hill Detenber, Asst Prof Nuri Kim

Year
2015

Abstract
In a deliberative democracy, stakeholders from diverse backgrounds come together and represent the various views within a society. Contact theory posits that interaction with outgroups reduces prejudice and improves relations. In attempting to bring together both ideas in a study, a 2 (ethnically homogeneous/mixed group composition) x 2 (group interests/common interests issue frame) experiment on deliberative groups was conducted. 235 undergraduates from a Singaporean university of Chinese (N = 193) and Malay ethnicity took part in the study. Regression analyses showed that higher quality of prior contact with minorities and lower intergroup anxiety was related to more positive attitudes toward minorities. ANOVAs conducted showed that group composition had significant effects on the dependent variables (attitudes toward ethnic minorities and attitudes toward discussion) while the framing of the issue being discussed had no significant effect. In the end, we explain how contact theory is applied to deliberative discussions and how pre-existing attitudes can predict post-deliberation attitudes.

Link to DR-NTU
http://hdl.handle.net/10356/63167

Image Credit
Featured image Peace by Flickr user Bart. CC BY 2.0.

Authors
Amelia Chong Yu-Wen, Bart Hugo-Morgan, Sarah Marlena Binte Malik & Sharon Tan Wei Ping

Supervisor
Assoc Prof Benjamin Hill Detenber

Year
2015

Abstract
The research study tested the contact hypothesis (Allport, 1954) by analysing how contact with gay strangers over computer-mediated communication (CMC) affects attitudes toward gay men (ATG). Specifically, the effect of online contact type was manipulated through i) direct self-disclosure of homosexual orientations, and ii) indirect self-disclosure of homosexual orientations. The influence of culturally-linked individual differences on ATG was measured via social harmony values. 227 students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore participated in a cooperative contact experiment online and completed pretest and posttest measures. No significant main effects were found for type of self-disclosure or social harmony values on attitudes toward gay men, attitudes toward self-disclosure and relational intimacy. Interaction effects were also found to be nonsignificant. Follow-up focus group sessions were conducted to understand their online interaction experience. Possible explanations to our null findings and future directions for research are also discussed.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/63398

Image Credit
Featured image 18° Parada do Orgulho LGBT | São Paulo 04/05/2014 by Flickr user Ninja Midia. CC BY 2.0.

Authors
Matthew Hui Chi Kin & Yeo Han Zhong

Supervisor
Assoc Prof Benjamin Hill Detenber

Year
2015

Abstract
This study seeks to investigate the effects of in-app game purchases, device screen size, and particular personality traits on the flow experience during mobile game play. It also aims to assess the impact of flow on the potential success of a game in terms of enhancing attitudinal loyalty among players. Results from our experiments show that in-game purchases and a larger screen size have no significant effects on flow. However, particular personality traits did have a significant influence on flow. In-game purchases were found to evoke a greater experience of flow for participants reflecting a higher need to compete and a higher need for activity. Notably, flow was found to have a positive relationship with the degree of attitudinal loyalty toward the game. Details of the variables and implications of the results are discussed further in the report.

Click link to view
http://hdl.handle.net/10356/63359