Running head Final Project Early Methods Section .docx

Running head: Final Project: Early Methods Section
8
Final Project: Early Methods Section
Student’s Name:
Instructor’s name:
Affiliation:
Course:
Date:
Final Project: Early Methods Section
1. What is your research question?
Does Reality TV influence perceive body image in the
adolescent child?
2. What is your hypothesis or hypotheses? What is the null
hypothesis?
H0: Reality TV does not influence perceived body image in the
adolescent child
H1: Reality TV does influence perceived body image in the

adolescent child
3. Participants
To qualify as a participant in the study the age should range
from eight years to sixteen years. Culturally, the study will use
African American, Caucasian, and other racial backgrounds. I
intend to use adolescents from the same socio-economic levels
to attain reliability and validity with the current data analysis
and collection for the study. I will use an audit trail and
reflective journal to achieve a high degree of dependability.
4. Sampling technique
I will use a purposeful sample with the adequate number of
adolescents to facilitate efficient and effective saturation of
categories. Any negative case enhances validity since it
demonstrates that the aspects of the analysis are less than
obvious. Top improve transferability in the study I will use
moderate populated schools in the samples that attract
adolescents from multiple cultures, histories, and comparable
socio-economic levels across the city.
5. What are the variables in your study?
Demographic data, race, body dissatisfaction, body image,
ethnic background, socioeconomic status, media pressure,
awareness, self-confidence, and internalization
6. Provide operational definitions for each variable.
The race will mention the cultural background of each
participant. The awareness of body image and self-image begins
to form at a young age. It is not clear whether the desire or
pressure to become thin affects all adolescents equally. At the
age of six, girls desire a thin body and use some types of diet to
obtain low weight and thin body. Girls spend a lot of time
watching television or magazines to focus on the appearance
and use thin models.
Ethnically blacks interpret media influences from white or
Hispanics. A majority of white participants indicate a desire to
look at thin models shown in advertisements.
The media pressure will present one’s effect of media portrayal.
There seems to be a consensus that the mass media does tend to

influence one's perception of body image. Exposure of
commercials that use thin models leads to higher levels of
dissatisfaction with overall body image.
7Measuirng of variables
I will use a Body Dissatisfaction Subscale of the Eating
Disorder Inventory to measure specific bodies such as waist and
thighs. Additionally, A Multidimensional Media Influence Scale
(MMIS) will measure five dimensions of media influence that
include awareness of media thin ideal, media publicized ideas,
the importance assigned to media information, tendency to
compare one body image, and perception of the media to
emulate look as depicted by models. The MMIS scale five
subscales with four items per subscale. I will increase the font
size so that the low graders can view them properly to avoid
confusion. I will conduct measures of internal consistency to
examine the reliability of three subscales. I will conduct a
series of Pearson product-moment correlations to examine the
relationship between subscales of MMIS and body
dissatisfaction as measured by the EDI-BD. Next, I will conduct
multiple regression analysis with subscales of MMIS as the
predictors and body dissatisfaction of the criterion measure.
8. Technique for data collection
To gain insight into the influence of the media on different
cultural groups, it is crucial to apply an open-ended survey
distributed to the adolescents. An open-ended survey consists
three cultural aggregations: Caucasian, African American, and
Hispanic. The questions in the survey dwell on media influence
on body image, effects of the community, and self-confidence.
Each of the surveys has cultural categories, and the student
could have either influence by the media or no influence by the
media. Students between age eleven and sixteen filled out
questionnaire forms that contain demographic data, survey on
media exposure
I will apply a six-step approach to data analysis that includes:
(a) Familiarizing with the data
(b) Generating initial codes

(c) Searching for themes
(d) Reviewing Themes
(e) Defining and naming themes
(f) Producing the report
9. Research design used
The study will apply a humanist interpretative point of view to
offer a perception that social reality is a world of ideas and
meanings where it will exist independent of human subjects that
create and interpret meaning. Participants in this study should
be active creators of realities to uncover meanings. With the
particular design, it is impossible to separate Inquirer from the
inquired. I will use a semi-structured focus group to elicit and
validate the collective responses of the students. I will apply a
qualitative methodology to match with the research question.
Qualitative methods deem appropriate as this design provides an
opportunity for the adolescents to express their views and
experiences about the concepts.
10. Procedure to conduct the research
Children whose parents or teachers consented to their
participation had to complete a questionnaire packet during the
regular school hours in the classroom setting. I will begin each
session by assisting participants to complete the demographic
sheet and media survey
Immerse myself with the data to a point I am familiar with the
breadth of the content. Next, I will code the data line by line to
search for meanings and ideas, the general pattern of
understanding, as categories of analysis emerge. I will ask the
students concerning their psychological wellness and categories
that relate to body image. In this study, I determine that
adolescents view concepts of psychological wellness and
healthy body as the body. Next, I will search for themes and
consider how different codes combine to establish an
overarching theme. After completing the forms, I will discuss
with the participants concerning construct of body image and
media’s effect n its development.
11. Ethical issues

Some of the ethical issues that arise in the study is the
classification of students in accordance with race. Some parents
felt it was wrong to classify their children on racial
backgrounds. All the researchers in the study should confirm
throughout the analysis that ideas emerging remain consistent
with new data. It is the duty of every researcher to check and
recheck the consistency of the coding system with no cognitive
leaps. In the place, I will use the help of external professional
researchers to provide an additional perspective and ensure that
findings depict a credible interpretation.
To proceed with the study, I have received ethical approval
from the University Ethics Committee, permission from the
head of education in the school district, and principals from
schools in the area. I have t gain consent as well from parents
and teachers of the students by informing the purpose and
procedures of the study, and an explanation of different groups.
All participants have to fill in a consent form with signatories
from parents or teachers allowing them to participate in this
study.
References
Cusumano, D. L., & Thompson, J. K. (2001). Media Influence
and Body Image in 8-11-Year- Old Boys and Girls: A
Preliminary Report on the Multidimensional Media Influence
Scale. International Journal Of Eating Disorders, 29(1),
37-44.
Granatino, R., & Haytko, D. L. (2013). Body image, confidence,
and media influence: A study of middle school adolescents.
Journal of Applied Business Research, 29(1), 45.
Spurr, S., Berry, L., & Walker, K. (2013). Exploring adolescent
views of body image: the influence of media. Issues In
Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 36(1/2), 17-36.

Running head: MEDIA INFLUENCE ON BODY IMAGE
1
MEDIA INFLUENCE ON BODY IMAGE
2
Media Influence on Body Image
Michele Jackson
Argosy University
Media Influence on Body Image
RQ-Does Reality TV influenced perceived body image in the
adolescent child?
Null (HO) Reality TV does not influenced perceived body
image in the adolescent child.
Research (H1)-Reality TV does influence perceived body image
in the adolescent child.
Outline
1. Introduction: Media Influence on Body Image
· Research question: Does Reality TV influence body image in
the adolescent child?
· Implication: Media portrayal has an influence one's perception
of body image. This study will concentrate on young people
relationship between body image and media influence.
· Revised hypothesis: H0 Reality TV does not influence body
image in the adolescent child; H1 Reality TV does influence
perceived body image in the adolescent child

2. Review of the Literature
· Sociological research on young people’s awareness of their
body image (Granatino, R., & Haytko, D. L. (2013). Body
image, confidence, and media influence: A study of middle
school adolescents. Journal of Applied Business Research,
29(1), 45. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/1426770036?accountid=348
99)
· Measurement of risk in the development of image and eating
disturbances in adolescence: (Cusumano, D. K. (2001). Media
influence and body image in 8-11-year-old boys and girls: a
preliminary report on the multidimensional media influence
scale. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 29(1), 37-44.)
· Research on the effects of television and magazines on body
image and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in females
(López-Guimerà, G., Levine, M., Sánchez-Carracedo, D., &
Fauquet, J. (2010). Influence of mass media on body image and
eating disordered attitudes and behaviors in females: A review
of effects and processes. Media Psychology, 387-416.
doi:1060153269-2010.525737)
· The study will use a 6-step thematic approach to analyzing the
data
· The body dissatisfaction subscale of the eating disorder
inventory will measure different parts of the body such as the
thighs and waist
· Multidimensional Media Influence Scale will measure media
promotion, publicized ideas, attractiveness, and perception
3. Conclusion
· Females are more likely than males to report influence on
media images

· It is important to encourage adolescents to use education to
appraise media images
· The impact of media on cross-cultural differences, ethnic
identity, and acculturation need substantial clarification.
Sampling Method
The sample method that would be used for research conducted
for this paper would be the simple random sampling technique.
This method would offer an unbiased result, an ability to reach
a targeted population, with an easy way to gather and analyze
the data.
Using the simple random sampling method allows for every
member of the population to have an equal chance of being
selected for the survey. This is made possible by using a
numbering chart and each member receiving a random number
with an equal chance of being or not being selected. Inclusive
criteria that would be used would be simple demographics; age;
ranging from nine to sixteen, gender; focusing on females, race
and socioeconomic status and mental status. These factors are
important in determining if there is a certain group that has
potential to be influenced by the media. Factors that would not
be included would be religious affiliation, and genetic traits.
Ethical issues that might arise while conducting this form of
data collection would be compromising the results of the
survey. Confidentiality; it is essential to maintain that the
participants personal information remains confidential at all
times. Informed consent; the participants must be aware of what
the questionnaire will contain, and how it will be conducted. It
is also crucial for the researcher to get the participants consent,
in writing.
Annotated Bibliography
Cusumano, D. K. (2001). Media influence and body image in 8-
11-year-old boys and girls: a preliminary report on the

multidimensional media influence scale. International journal of
eating disorders, 29(1), 37-44.
Research conducted by Cusumano on influence of body image
from the media used a total of 182 participants; 75 boys and 107
girls, 69% of the boys and girls were white, 18% African
American, and 12% were from other races. The participants
were given a packet to fill out during regular school hours in a
classroom setting. The questionnaire used a three point Likert
Scale (1- disagree, 2- Not sure, 3-Agree) the questions were
developmentally appropriate for the subjects ages and grade
level, large font was used to minimize distractions, and the test
consisted of a total of 29 questions to minimize fatigue. The
questionnaire consisted of a practice question to warm the
children up, as well as to confirm that they understood how to
answer the questions. The findings of the research concluded
that females have a higher score confirming that girl’s body
image is influenced by the media. The research is very pertinent
in proving my hypothesis that adolescent girl’s body images are
influenced by the media.
Lawrie, Z., Sullivan, E. A., Davies, P. W., & Hill, R. J. (2006).
Media influence on the body image of children and adolescents.
Eating disorders, 14(5), 355-364.
Lawrie, Sullivan, Davies, and Hill conducted a study using 925
students; 634 girls and 291 boys from both private and public
schools. Ages ranging from nine years of age to 14 years of age
using a “Sociocultural Influence Questionnaire” a five section
questionnaire consisting of 62 questions filled out by students
during class time. Three main questions were “do the media
give the idea that you should be slimmer? Do the media give the
idea that you should gain weight? Do the media give the idea
that you should be more muscular? Answers were assessed
using a Likert-type scare with five responses: strongly agree,

agree, unsure, disagree and strongly disagree. The answers were
then transformed into a score ranging from one to five; a score
of one equals to strongly agree, five strongly disagree. An
overall low test score would indicates greater agreement that the
media does influence, a high score would indicate that there is
minimal agreement that the media influences adolescents.
Conclusion of this study states that girls have a higher score
than boys, meaning that girls are more influenced by the media
than boys. This article fits right in with my theory that the
media has a profound effect on the body image of young girls.
Granatino, R., & Haytko, D. L. (2013). Body image, confidence,
and media influence: A study of middle school adolescents.
Journal of applied business research, 29(1), 45. Retrieved from
99
Granatino and Haytko conducted research to find out if media
influenced body image and testing if there were differences
among African Americans, Hispanics and Caucasians. The test
used a total of 53 subject’s ages ranging from 12-15 years of
age. The study consisted of an open-ended survey with three
basic questions pertaining to the effect of Society and media’s
influence on body image and self-confidence. The questions
were “yes” or “no” questions with results of males being
uninfluenced, African American scored the lowest, Hispanic
females scored the highest. This article fits right in with my
paper to prove that females are highly influenced by the media.
López-Guimerà, G., Levine, M., Sánchez-Carracedo, D., &
Fauquet, J. (2010). Influence of mass media on body image and
eating disordered attitudes and behaviors in females: A review
of effects and processes. Media psychology, 387-416.
doi:1060153269-2010.525737
Research conducted by Lopez, Levine et al, (2010) looks at

many studies conducted on the influence of media on body
images. In one study with 548 participating preadolescents and
adolescents 69% agree that the images portrayed in the media
do influence their conception of body image. 47% stated that
they wanted to lose weight after viewing images of thin women.
Having a multitude of studies in one articles all claiming to
have the same results; body image is influenced by media, is
very important information to prove my point when I put my
paper together.
Spurr, S., Berry, L., & Walker, K. (2013). Exploring adolescent
views of body image: the influence of media. Issues in
comprehensive pediatric nursing, 36(1/2), 17-36.
doi:10.3109/01460862.2013.776145
Spurr, Berry, and Walker conducted research on the influence of
body image using 46 participants; 28 females and 18 males
between the ages of 16-19 from two moderately populated
schools; the adolescents were from multiple cultures and socio-
economic stature. The participants answered questions verbally
(which was recorded) such as “what does psychological
wellness mean to you?” “Are there positive or negative
influences on your psychological wellness?” “Does
psychological wellness contribute to your overall sense of
wellbeing?” The questionnaire lasted for one to two hours long
and was held during regular school hours. Researchers used
Braun and Clarke’s 6-step approach as useful framework to
analyze data. They report this method was effective because it
facilitated their understandings of the world as seen by the
adolescents (Spurr, et al, 2013). The conclusion according to
Spurr, et al was that this was the beginning evidence to support
the theory that the media was an important influence on
adolescent body image. This article is very important for my
paper in proving that the media has an effect on the body image
of adolescents.
Winham, D., & Hampl, J. S. (2008). Adolescents report

television characters do not influence their self-perceptions of
body image, weight, clothing choices or food habits. Young
consumers, 9(2), 121-130.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17473610810879693
This study examines the correlation between factors such as
environment, and mental status and how adolescents’ own
environment plays a role in the effect of media on body images.
Winham & Hampl, (2008) suggest that adolescents that are
affected by media modify the messages heard and what
messages are sought out. This study is important to include
within my paper, in order to create an unbiased research paper.
Tiggemann, M. (2005). Television and adolescent body image:
the role of program content and viewing motivation. Journal of
social and clinical psychology, 24(3), 361-381. Retrieved from
9
The research conducted by Tiggemann, (2005) examines the
relationship between adolescent boys’ and girls’ television
viewing and bod image and the negative effects that are
associated with overexposure. 1,452 secondary school students
participated in the study answering questions associated with
body perception, eating disorders, and uses of television. The
results found that both genders were impacted negatively from
total exposure; boys wanted to be more muscular, girls wanted
to be thinner.
Eisend, M., & Möller, J. (2007). The influence of TV viewing
on consumers' body images and related consumption behavior.
Marketing letters, 18(1-2), 101-116.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11002-006-9004-8
This study examines the influence of TV viewing with female
and male consumer’s body image. The conclusion to this study
states that the negative effects of viewing were not found.
However on the females the effects were quite profound. This
study also indicates that the beauty industry has been benefiting
from the increased body dissatisfaction; women are willing to
undergo dangerous surgeries to achieve the look that is

portrayed on television.
Strasburger, V. C., M.D. (1985). Television and adolescents.
Pediatric annals, 14(12), 814-815,818-820. Retrieved from
99
The article written by Strasburger, (1985) depicts how
television has changed over the years. Wholesome television
programs no longer exist. Adolescents are exposed to unrealistic
programs filled with sexuality, alcohol, and characters that
seem to all be thin. Exposure to this type of unrealistic
programs can create false realities in life.
Derenne, J. L., & Beresin, E. V. (2006). Body image, media,
and eating disorders. Academic psychiatry, 30(3), 257-61.
Retrieved from
9
This article examines images portrayed on television and how
young girls model what they view on TV. Derenne and Beresin
suggest that parents should monitor what their children are
watching and how long they spend in front of the TV.

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