Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how representation of individuals who are D/deaf or hard of hearing (D/HoH) in selected films impacts how they are perceived by college students. Specifically, the study will examine if differences exist in the perceptions of factors related to individuals who are D/HoH among college students who have or have not viewed negative or positive film samples that depict people who are D/HoH. These factors include intelligence and academic capability; employment and workplace capabilities; perceptions of American Sign Language (ASL); daily living and quality of life (QoL); “connections” with others; communication skills; and maturity. Quantitative research methods were utilized to investigate how positive or negative film clips may influence college-aged hearing individuals’ perceptions of individuals who are D/HoH. Results from this study indicated that this generation is more accepting of individuals who are D/HoH than other generations due to the overwhelming positive perceptions found. Results, however, did indicate that the hypothesis was true and negative film clips did negatively influence participants due to higher mean responses after viewing negative film clips and lower mean responses after viewing positive film clips. Another major implication of this research is that hearing individuals have more negative perceptions towards individuals who are D/HoH when it comes to factors they are less educated on, such as the use of hearing technology or lip reading. A final implication of this research is the importance of mass media in influencing mainstream populations, thus we must educate ourselves on the content we consume and work towards furthering positive representations of individuals who are D/HoH in popular film in the future.

Advisor

Goldberg, Donald

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Disciplines

Communication | Film and Media Studies | Sign Languages

Keywords

Deaf or hard of hearing, popular film, American Sign Language (ASL), disability studies, Deaf culture

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2024 Emma Harrison