Focused Discussions: Room 1
Understanding Social Phenomenon in the Twenty-first Century: Social Science vs Natural Science View Digital Media
Focused Discussion Karen Cacciattolo
Social phenomena consist of behavioural processes that are carried out by human beings. These human processes include both behavioural and experiential aspects that are accessible through the examination of linguistic and humanistic symbols. The fact that human beings are by nature very complex, research in this arena is quite intriguing. Thus a combination of various methods of research has to be used in order to understand any social phenomenon effectively. Using a combination of methods is also beneficial for any research to be objective and less subjective, where necessary. How have the methods changed in the present technological era?
Psycholinguistic Analysis of Presidential Speeches: Differences Between Parties and Across Time View Digital Media
Focused Discussion Arthur McGovern
The words people use to express their ideas and interests can reveal important aspects of their social and psychological orientations, and text analysis allows researchers to reliably and quickly assess features of what people say. In this exploratory study, we investigate the question of whether there are significant differences in the linguistic styles that Democrat and Republican presidents use to express themselves and their concerns in their speeches and whether these have changed over time. We specifically look at their State of the Union speeches, analyzing the last 60 years of speechmaking based on party affiliation and across time. Our findings show significant differences between Republican and Democratic presidents. Republicans use more language indicating analytical thought, language associated with affective and morality while democrats use more language indicating cognitive processes, language oriented to the present, and work. Analyses show that Republican presidents have increased their use of analytic language, moral language and emotional language over time, while their language indicating cognitive processes has decreased. In contrast, Democrats have decreased their use of analytic language and emotional language, and have increased their use of language indicating cognitive processes, language oriented to the present, and work over time. The implications of these findings and limitations of the present study are explored.
A Design Guide for Creating Gender-inclusive Work Environments: How Can the Built Environment Facilitate a More Equitable Work Environment, Which Allows for Women in Architecture to e More Visible? View Digital Media
Focused Discussion Leah Lopes
Women are still often invisible in our male-dominated architecture profession. This study shows that despite there being an equal representation of men and women entering the architectural profession today, women still disappear as seniority increases. The reasons for this have been extensively researched and documented as being due to the culture and working conditions, alongside issues concerning pay, childcare and work/life balance. However, there is little research on how the physical workplace can disenchant women. This research project demonstrates careful design considerations which can begin to improve the work environment for women, and all gender identities. It takes a look into health and well-being, using the World Health Organisation's definition of a 'healthy' workplace, that encompasses inclusivity and diversity. There is a need for diversity in design. For architecture to be truly relevant, as a profession, it needs to better represent the community. A greater diversity of perspectives and ideas are necessary. This research project uses a feminist methodology to address the concerns highlighted in this discussion. My goal is to encourage architects to design more inclusive and humane work environments that will not only benefit the profession, but also society and communities at large.
