Abstract
The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the ways audience reaction shots are used to tell the narrative of the talk show. Viewers at home see and hear the audible and physical reactions of the audience through clapping, laughing, and head nodding. Through a series of interviews, my research examined how reaction shots can influence the at-home viewer’s understanding of the program. Participants were asked to think generally about the shows that they watch and how they feel about them. My study is to determine to what extent at-home viewers feel a connection to the studio audience and how the studio audience has the ability to impact the beliefs of the at-home viewer. The three overall themes were elements of persuasion based on reaction shots, understanding a physical resemblance to the studio audience, and feeling an emotional connection to the studio audience.
Advisor
Atay, Ahmet
Department
Communication Studies
Recommended Citation
Simpson, Matthew H., "“All of the Beautiful People”: A Qualitative Study of Audience Reaction Shots and the Effect They Have on the Viewer" (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 5868.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/5868
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities
Keywords
audience, television, reaction shot
Publication Date
2014
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2014 Matthew H. Simpson