Role Models: Conceptualization and Scale Development
Open Access
Author:
Erlichman, Sara
Graduate Program:
Mass Communications
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
December 16, 2021
Committee Members:
Michael Schmierbach, Chair & Dissertation Advisor Fuyuan Shen, Outside Unit & Field Member Mary Oliver, Major Field Member Jessica Myrick, Major Field Member Anthony Olorunnisola, Program Head/Chair
Keywords:
role models character attachment scale development media
Abstract:
Many media consumers find themselves looking to media figure as role models. This dissertation provides a first look at existing literature and conceptualizations of role models. Qualitative investigation involved interviewing participants about their mediated role models. Following the scale developmental process, the next steps involved the creation and pretesting of scale items. Once an exploratory factor analysis identified a perceived role model scale consisting of three subscales (values, credibility, impression), a third study was conducted to complete a confirmatory analysis (CFA). Results of the CFA demonstrate the role model scale as a separate construct but highly related to similar theoretical constructs such as parasocial relationships and wishful identification.
