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The Role of Images and Visual Narratives in the Formation of Internal Attributions: A Focus on the Animal Rights Movement

Lather, Julie Lynn

Abstract Details

2009, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Communication.
This research looked at how images can illicit internal attributions of blame. More specifically, this study dealt with animal rights persuasive messages and how the images used in these messages can promote self blame (internal attributions) for animal suffering and death by showing humans as the perpetrators of certain actions done to animals. In addition to examining the effects of human presence in visuals, the narrative structure of the images was also taken into consideration. It was predicted that as the narrative became more complete, internal attribution would increase. An interaction between these two conditions (image and visual narrative) was also hypothesized and examined. No significant effects of condition on internal attributions were found. However, internal attributions did play a role in predicting attitudes and behavioral intention. Post-hoc analyses revealed that perhaps internal attributions were originally thought of too simplistically and that there needs to be a consideration of how these attributions work in combination with external attributions (and possibly guilt and indifference levels as well). This thesis provides a first attempt to address a combination of internal and external attributions by focusing on attributional ambivalence, but future research should attempt to explore these relationships in greater depth.
R. Lance Holbert, PhD (Advisor)
Emily Moyer-Guse, PhD (Committee Member)
68 p.

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Citations

  • Lather, J. L. (2009). The Role of Images and Visual Narratives in the Formation of Internal Attributions: A Focus on the Animal Rights Movement [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243948355

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lather, Julie. The Role of Images and Visual Narratives in the Formation of Internal Attributions: A Focus on the Animal Rights Movement. 2009. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243948355.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lather, Julie. "The Role of Images and Visual Narratives in the Formation of Internal Attributions: A Focus on the Animal Rights Movement." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243948355

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)