Journalism

Keywords: Theory of situational support Theory of reasoned action Situational theory of problem solving Nonprofit Survey Fundraising a b s t r a c t Through replication with three national survey datasets (N = 658, N = 673, N = 208), this study extends research aimed at developing a new model that combines variables from the situational theory of problem solving and the theory of reasoned action to explain communication and participation related to fundraising events. Findings from the three studies provide empirical evidence for a new model and an emerging theory of situational support, which may help explain how and why individuals come to support certain causes, events or organizations.

Through replication with three national survey datasets (N = 658, N = 673, N = 208), this study extends research aimed at developing a new model that combines variables from the situational theory of problem solving and the theory of reasoned action to explain communication and participation related to fundraising events. Findings from the three studies provide empirical evidence for a new model and an emerging theory of situational support, which may help explain how and why individuals come to support certain causes, events or organizations.

Clinical trial (CT) participation is low among African Americans (AAs). To better communicate with AAs about the importance of CTs, the purpose of this study was to explore the communication sources and perceived effective communication channels and strategies through which the general public, AAs, and White individuals receive CT information. A quantitative telephone survey was conducted with AAs and Whites in one Southern state (N = 511). The measures assessed CT sources of information, perceived effectiveness of communication channels and strategies, CT understanding, and CT participation. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to compare responses overall and by race. AAs reported being exposed to more CT information than Whites. AAs received CT information most often through television, social media, and doctors compared to Whites. Perceived effectiveness of communication strategies and channels varied by race. AAs preferred simple and easy-to-understand CT information distributed through faith-based organizations. Whites preferred to receive CT information through a trustworthy source (e.g., doctor). There were no significant differences between AAs and Whites in their perceived effectiveness of media sources (e.g., Internet). Recommendations are provided to help health promotion practitioners and CT recruiters tailor information and communicate it effectively to potential AA and White CT participants.

Chinese and U.S. college students by looking at similar data from a survey previously conducted with 514 U.S. students. There were differences between the two groups regarding constraint recognition, subjective norms, attitudes toward fundraising, and other variables, perhaps because of Confucianism, collectivism, and other differences between China and the United States. The findings generate a range of theoretical and practical implications including how nonprofit practitioners in China might develop better communication and messaging strategies to segment publics, motivate potential donors, and advance future fundraising efforts.