Edward Arke

Defense Date

4-7-2005

Graduation Date

Spring 1-1-2005

Availability

Worldwide Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

EdD

Department

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program for Education Leaders (IDPEL)

School

School of Education

Committee Chair

Robert B. Bartos

Committee Member

Janie Harden Fritz

Committee Member

Kim S. Phipps

Keywords

higher education, media education, media literacy, media literacy measurement

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between media literacy and critical thinking skills. To date media literacy advocates have not developed a quantitative means of measuring media literacy. While numerous claims that media literacy and critical thinking are related, a review of the existing literature has not revealed any academic support for the assertion. As a result, a demographic survey and test to measure each skill set respectfully was administered to a sample of undergraduate college students. For this study, a new media literacy measure was developed. Statistical analysis of the test results did show a statistically significant correlation between the scores recorded on each measure (r(34) = 0.322, p < 0.05). The results did not provide support for statistically significant correlations between college students' self-reported level of media literacy education or self-reported media consumption and their critical thinking scores. This study provides a starting point for the quantitative measurement of media literacy and makes an argument for the inclusion of media literacy education at institutions of higher education.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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