"This CEDIL Synthesis Working Paper is a report on the first of its kind country evaluation map for a single country. The map identifies 617 evaluations in multiple sectors in Uganda. Nearly 60 per cent of the studies contain process evaluation evidence and over 40 per cent are impact evaluations. T
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his country evaluation map seeks to make recent development evaluations from Uganda visible and available in a single repository. It identifies potential gaps in knowledge and opportunities for synthesising existing evidence for the use of policymakers and researchers in Uganda. Users can submit studies for inclusion in the map, thus giving the map a repository function." (https://cedilprogramme.org)
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"The most effective campaigns are face-to-face, repeated campaigns. Such campaigns generally have a larger average impact on persuasion, knowledge, and behavior than remote campaigns (such as ones conducted through television or the internet). Negative and positive messages appear to be almost equal
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ly effective in motivating behavioral change. Negative messaging does seem to be more memorable than other types of messages. However, if negative advertisements are attributed to an individual or organization, they tend to lead to backlash against the sender. Targeting a message to a particular subpopulation greatly increases the success rate of information campaigns, especially if the targeting stresses peer groups or community norms. Additionally, targeting and knowledge of relevant subpopulations can decrease the risk of unintended or counterproductive results. In complex environments where people are bombarded by a wide range of messages, adversarial messaging efforts tend to cancel each other out." (Key findings)
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"This desk review is the first phase of creating gender digital divide tools for USAID Gender Advisors. It provides an overview of the current status of the gender digital divide (with a particular focus on mobile phones and mobile Internet, although these are not the only aspects of the gender digi
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tal divide), including an analysis of why it exists, why closing the gender digital divide matters, and the potential risks for women and girls in using technology. It presents some key recommendations on how to mitigate those risks." (Executive summary)
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"This study is a response to the challenge of Development Communication (DevCom) scholar Felix Librero to analyse the status and trends in UP Los Baños DevCom research that may help in reinvigorating the research thrust of the college attuned to the needs of time. As a rejoinder to previous efforts
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of DevCom scholars Gomez and Librero, the authors looked into 35 graduate research studies: 19 Masteral theses and 16 Doctoral dissertations that were produced from 2008 to 2015. The papers were evaluated according to a) Communication Tradition b) DevCom Thread c) Theories used, and d) Research Method employed. The review also revealed that DevCom research is primarily inclined to the Cybernetic tradition, still predominantly influenced by the modernisation paradigm, as demonstrated by the heavy use of linear, one-way communication models and theories such as diffusion of innovations, two-step flow, or extension approaches. This is more evident in the classification of Devcom research into the typologies of Colle and Quebral. Majority of the researches can be classified in the extension thread, although there is a growing interest in community participation theme. On the other hand, following Quebral’s typologies, most of the MS researches are people research, while PhD dissertations are varied and cut across people research, normative and policy researches. The quantitative method, which has been a preferred approach since 1985 when Gomez declared it dominant in DevCom research and even until 2012 in Librero’s review of researches from 2001 to 2010, remained popular among more than half of the researchers while the rest ventured into qualitative, except for a few who tried mixed methods." (Abstract)
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"Indigenous journalism can facilitate the inclusion of Indigenous voices in the public sphere, thereby contributing to social change. Contemporary Indigenous journalism is in part facilitated by the introduction and diffusion of paradigmatic media innovations, including the Internet, mobile technolo
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gy, and social media. Based on a literature review, we investigate how media innovations are understood to facilitate Indigenous journalism and find that few empirical studies directly address this question. Analyses of Indigenous journalism, reaching beyond the potential for increased access to media and for amplification of Indigenous voice, are lacking. Furthermore, little research investigates how the appropriation of new technological affordances influence the production of Indigenous journalism. Our review also indicates that while Indigenous political participation can be facilitated by media innovation, these innovations can also serve to reinforce existing power relations. We submit that more critical analytical approaches are required to investigate how media innovations might facilitate the potential of Indigenous journalism for social change." (Abstract)
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"The aim of this study was to advance understanding of how to foster media literacy among older people. A systematic review was conducted of 40 empirical studies published between January 2005 and April 2019. The literature review provided information and practical implications for researchers, desi
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gners, and providers of media-literacy education for older people. Based on the review, it can be concluded that interventions aimed at fostering media literacy in older people need further development and creative enrichment in terms of aims, content, providers, recipients, and pedagogical approaches." (Abstract)
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"This paper focuses on the content features of intentional deceptive information in the news (i.e., fake news) and on social media. Based on an extensive review of relevant literature (i.e., political journalism and communication, computational linguistics), we take stock of existing knowledge and p
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resent an overview of the structural characteristics that are indicative of intentionally deceptive information. We discuss the strength of underlying empirical evidence and identify underdeveloped areas of research. With this paper, we aim to contribute to the systematic study of intentional deception in the news and on social media and to help setting up new lines of research in which intentionally deceptive news items can be operationalized in consistent ways." (Abstract)
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"There is no commonly agreed typology framework, specific categorization criteria, and explicit definitions as a basis to assist the further investigation of the area. Our work is focused on filling this need. Our contribution is twofold. First, we collect the various implicit and explicit disinform
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ation typologies proposed by scholars. We consolidate the findings following certain design principles to articulate an all-inclusive disinformation typology. Second, we propose three independent dimensions with controlled values per dimension as categorization criteria for all types of disinformation. The taxonomy can promote and support further multidisciplinary research to analyze the special characteristics of the identified disinformation types." (Abstract)
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"Based on key term searches and forward and backward citation mapping, we constructed a review of 223 studies published since 1972 related to countermeasures designed to combat influence operations. Each identified study included: (1) a source of variation in exposure to countermeasures; (2) a clear
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ly defined outcome of interest for some specified population; (3) relevance to thinking about the potential of an intervention to impact real-world behavior; and (4) enough detail to evaluate the credibility of the findings. This approach amounts to sampling the foundational research surrounding countermeasures and thus incorporates the collective judgement of this emerging field. All of the studies we identified examined user-focused countermeasures, i.e., those aimed at the consumers of disinformation. None looked at countermeasures aimed at impacting the influence operations directly. There exists a mismatch between the major interventions taken by platforms - algorithmic downranking, content moderation, redirection, and deplatforming accounts - and those studied by the research community. Most papers we reviewed focus on one particular method for countering information operations: fact-checking and its many offshoots. The types of interventions employed by social media companies on actual users are understudied. We recommend further research on four key areas: (1) measuring the impact of the most common interventions by social media platforms, (2) assessing the impact of countermeasures on real-world behaviors (both online and offline), (3) evaluating the efficacy of countermeasures in non-Western contexts, and (4) studying countermeasures that target the creators of disinformation content in addition to studying consumer-facing policies." (Essay summary)
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"Information literacy emphasizes to the access, evaluation and use of information. Media literacy emphasizes the ability to understand, evaluate and use media as a leading source and producer of information. Thus, UNESCO considered information literacy and media literacy together as Media Informatio
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n Literacy (MIL), which is essential to empower people with critical knowledge about media functions, information systems, and their content. In the beginning, information literacy and media literacies were discussed separately as distinct fields. After technological developments and a fair amount of interdisciplinary research work in these areas were carried out, based on which UNESCO made considerable effort to bring these fields together as media and information literate. Today’s students and researchers need a different set of competencies like knowledge, skills and attitude are necessary for their work. This bibliography is prepared to bring out a special issue on media and information literacy to help readers who intend to do the research work in this area will get benefitted. This is a comprehensive bibliography covering all areas of media and information literacy comprising information literacy and media literacy, from its origin to the end of February 2021 collected from all sources including online indexing, full-text and digital theses and dissertations databases. Primarily covers journal articles, books, book chapters, conference proceedings, papers published in conference proceedings, reports, book reviews, and Ph.D. theses on media and information literacy." (Abstract)
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"Rising political polarization is, in part, attributed to the fragmentation of news media and the spread of misinformation on social media. Previous reviews have yet to assess the full breadth of research on media and polarization. We systematically examine 94 articles (121 studies) that assess the
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role of (social) media in shaping political polarization. Using quantitative and qualitative approaches, we find an increase in research over the past 10 years and consistently find that pro-attitudinal media exacerbates polarization. We find a hyperfocus on analyses of Twitter and American samples and a lack of research exploring ways (social) media can depolarize. Additionally, we find ideological and affective polarization are not clearly defined, nor consistently measured. Recommendations for future research are provided." (Abstract)
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"Bei der folgenden Kurzbibliografie handelt es sich um einen Auszug aus der Datenbank des „Fachinformationsverbundes Internationale Beziehungen und Länderkunde“ (FIV-IBLK)." (Seite 2)
"What do we know about the gender digital divide for girls? To date, there is little research on gender differences in digital access for children under the age of 18. These disparities in usage limit women’s access to the full range of opportunities offered by digital. However, the limited data a
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vailable does indicate a similar pattern of lower access and use for girls, as for women. In countries with data, girls aged 15–19 years were less likely than boys to have used the internet in the past 12 months, and they also had lower mobile phone ownership. The greatest disparities were in South Asian countries. For instance, rates of internet use among boys were double those of girls in Nepal, and quadruple those of girls in Pakistan. Phone ownership was almost 30% higher among boys in Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Weekly access to information media was also substantially lower among adolescent girls in Nepal, India, Afghanistan and Timor-Leste. Boys use far more digital platforms and services for a much wider range of activities than girls, and they are more likely to use the internet. Roughly 46% of boys use the internet on their phones, compared to 27% of girls. Another study, by Girl Effect and the Vodafone Foundation, found boys are 1.5 times more likely than girls to own a mobile phone and 1.8 times more likely to own a smartphone. More than half (52%) of girls borrow mobile phones if they want digital access, compared to 28% of boys. As for adult women, this gender gap in access is echoed in digital use overall. As the digitization of economies expands, economic and social growth will increasingly depend upon people’s ability to use technology. While some jobs require very advanced digital skills, most jobs and daily activities need basic digital literacy to engage with a digital economy. Without increased digital adoption and use, girls will have fewer employment opportunities and will face additional barriers to workforce participation." (Pages 6-7)
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"This article presents a mapping review of the available literature on the emotional well-being of journalists exposed to traumatic events. The review consists of three parts: (a) a summary of the results of trauma-related literature; (b) identification of the limitations of studies to date; and (c)
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suggestions for future research. The overview of the reviewed studies is provided as a table." (Abstract)
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"A trendy issue amongst African businesses is employment of strategic green marketing strategies to maximize the visibility of environmental sustainability, in sync with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 15. This short essay has synthesized and reviewed literature relating to green
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marketing and environmental sustainability in Africa, as well as revealed potential gaps for future research. This literature review was conducted using keywords such as green marketing, social responsibility and environmental sustainability guiding the systematic search process. It is recommended that African countries and associated business organizations employ green marketing strategies so as to raise awareness of environmental sustainability." (Abstract)
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"A proliferation of a variety of health misinformation is present online, particularly during times of public health crisis. To combat online health misinformation, numerous studies have been conducted to taxonomize health misinformation or examine debunking strategies for various types of health mi
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sinformation. However, one of the root causes – strategies in such misinformation that may persuade the readers – is rarely studied. This systematic review aimed to fill this gap. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Communication and Mass Media Complete for studies published between 2011 and 2021 on 29 May 2021. Peer-reviewed studies that discussed persuasive strategies in online misinformation messages were included. Of 1,700 articles identified, 58 were eligible and 258 persuasive strategies were extracted. Following the affinity diagraming process, 225 persuasive strategies in online health misinformation were categorized into 12 thematic groups, including: fabricating narrative with details, using anecdotes and personal experience as evidence, distrusting government or pharmaceutical companies, politicizing health issues, highlighting uncertainty and risk, inappropriate use of scientific evidence, rhetorical tricks, biased reasoning to make a conclusion, emotional appeals, distinctive linguistic features, and establishing legitimacy. Possible antecedents for why and how these persuasive strategies in online health misinformation may influence individuals were discussed. The findings suggest that media literacy education is essential for the public to combat health misinformation." (Abstract)
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"There is a growing public and academic debate on the societal impacts of the internet and, in particular, social media. For its proponents, social media is a force for change, which can challenge entrenched hierarchies, redistribute power, democratize information, support mass mobilization and cont
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ribute to the building of global movements. Increasingly such positivist arguments are being questioned. Critics argue that it has become a sinister force, facilitating the spread of ‘fake news’, providing an instrument for citizen surveillance and re-enforcing neoliberal hegemony. The community development literature has barely engaged in those debates around social media that appear urgent in other disciplines. Social media has been seen as a value-free tool for broadcasting and dissemination, and neither evaluated as a force for change nor examined as an instrument of neoliberal intents. Although there is a community development literature on neoliberalism and globalization, it often accepts these, rather than critiques them, as the contexts within which community development operates. Challenging established power imbalances and enhancing citizen participation in democratic processes are purposes central to community development values. Analysis of wider literature raises questions with regard to the values embedded in the technologies from which enhanced levels of participation and engagement are expected to flow. It also raises questions about who benefits most from the affordances of these technologies. This article, drawing on an extensive literature review, presents the case for community development values to be asserted in these debates." (Abstract)
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"Twitter is a major tool for communication during emergencies and disasters. This study aimed to investigate Twitter use during natural hazards and pandemics. The included studies reported the role of Twitter in disasters triggered by natural hazards. Electronic databases were used for a comprehensi
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ve literature search to identify the records that match the mentioned inclusion criteria published through May 2020. Forty-five articles met the selection criteria and were included in the review. These indicated ten functions of Twitter in disasters, including early warning, dissemination of information, advocacy, assessment, risk communication, public sentiment, geographical analysis, charity, collaboration with influencers and building trust. Preventing the spread of misinformation is one of the most important issues in times of disaster, especially pandemics. Sharing accurate, transparent and prompt information from emergency organizations and governments can help. Moreover, analyzing Twitter data can be a good way to understand the mental state of the community, estimate the number of injured people, estimate the points affected by disasters and model the prevalence of epidemics. Therefore, various groups such as politicians, government, nongovernmental organizations, aid workers and the health system can use this information to plan and implement interventions." (Abstract)
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