Award-winning master's thesis focuses on reality TV
Released: December 7, 2006
It is no mystery that reality television is popular in the United States. The mystery is why it's so popular. This is what University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Communication Lecturer James Mead addressed in his award-winning master's thesis, "Survivor and Other Reality TV Gameshows: The Uses and Gratifications Perspective on a Reality."
Mead's thesis was based off of previous research on the uses and gratifications theory, which claims individuals select media content that best serves his or her personal interests. Mead has worked professionally at different levels in television production for a number of years. He wanted to focus on a topic that he would enjoy, and would also be interesting for others.
Mead surveyed undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 at three different universities seeking answers to three different questions.
- How many hours per week are spent viewing gamedoc (a combination of a gameshow element with documentary-format interviewing) reality programs?
- What are the primary motives for watching gamedoc reality programs?
- Are there differences in motives for watching gamedoc reality programs between males and females?
From the survey results, Mead was able to conclude that a majority of males and females watch gamedocs for reasons of personal fulfillment, and both genders watch gamedocs because they are humorous and entertaining. Males tend to watch more television in general, and females watch more reality gamedocs and get more out of the gamedoc viewing experience.
Mead's work has not gone unnoticed by UW-Whitewater's graduate studies department. "I couldn"t be more pleased about Mr. Mead winning this award," said Interim Dean of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education John Stone. "Mr. Mead's project takes a close look at the uses and gratification theory as it relates to a modern entertainment and cultural phenomenon, and does it well. The campus reviewers all admired the quality of Mr. Mead's writing and scholarly arguments."
Former professor William Cassidy served as his thesis chair, along with Peter Conover and former professor Norma Coates as thesis committee members.
"I am honored by the award, but I feel even more grateful for the time and consideration each graduate professor provided me, since this thesis began originally three years ago as a small pilot study, and expanded to the final product," Mead said.
While Mead's thesis doesn't directly relate to the three television practicum courses and announcing class he teaches, it still is beneficial to students. According to Mead, at least one UW-Whitewater student has used his thesis as a source in a paper. His thesis has also been used as a teaching tool in at least two different university classes in California and Iowa.
Mead's thesis has been forwarded as UW-Whitewater's nominee for the Midwestern Association of Graduate School's (MAGS) Distinguished Master's Thesis Award. His thesis will be reviewed and the MAGS regional competition winners will be announced in February.- Abby Clark,clarkae12@uww.edu
