Dr. Karen Anderson

Assistant Professor

Education

Ph.D. University of Kansas; Lawrence, KS, Communication Studies, May 2003
Dissertation: "A Test of the Age Stereotypes in Interaction Model within Relational Context."
Advisor: Dr. Jake Harwood & Dr. Mary Lee Hummert

Master of Arts: Texas Tech University; Lubbock, TX, Communication Studies, August 1999
Thesis: "Examining the relationship between communicator style and immediacy in the college classroom."
Advisor: Dr. Karla Kay Jensen

Bachelor of Arts: Washburn University of Topeka; Topeka, KS,Speech Communication and English (Literature Emphasis), May 1997
University Honors Program and Dual Departmental Honors

Research Interests

Intergenerational communication:

  • Intergenerational theory (particularly stereotyping) as understood and applied in differing relational contexts
  • The influence of the Grandparent-Grandchild Relationship
  • Presence, Portrayal, and Communicative Interactions of Older Adults in Media

Instructional Communication:

  • Online and blended learning environments
  • Issues related to building instructor identity in the classroom

Political communication:

  • Political campaigns and debates
  • Role and influence of media

Teaching Interests

Theory:
Communication theory, theories of persuasion, and mass communication theory.

Interpersonal:
Interpersonal theory, communication and aging, communication across the lifespan, relational communication, family communication, pedagogy, and small group.

Research Methods:
Quantitative analysis, research design, survey and experimental methods, content analysis, focus groups, and language based qualitative methods (conversation and discourse analysis).

Research

Publications:

Refereed Journal Articles:

Anderson, K., Harwood, J, & Hummert, M.L. (2005). The grandparent-grandchild relationship: Implications for models of intergenerational communication. Human Communication Research, 31 (2), 268-294.

Koesten, J., & Anderson, K. (2004). Exploring the influence of family communication patterns, cognitive complexity, and interpersonal competence on adolescent risk behaviors. Journal of Family Communication, 4 (2), 99-121.

Anderson, K., & Jensen, K. K. (2002). An examination of the speech evaluation process: Do the evaluation instrument, or evaluator’s experience matter? Basic Communication Course Annual, 14, 113-163.

Harwood, J., & Anderson, K. (2002). The presence and portrayal of social groups in prime-time television. Communication Reports, 15 (2), 81-97.

Harwood, J., & Anderson, K. (2001). Social group membership and family involvement on prime-time television. Electronic Journal of Communication, 11. Retrieved August 27, 2001, from http://www.cios.org/www/ejc/v11n101.htm

Book Chapters:

Soliz, J., Lin, M.-C., Anderson, K., & Harwood, J. (2005). Friends and Allies: Communication in grandparent-grandchild relationships. In K. Floyd & M. T. Morman (Eds.), Widening the circle:  New Research on Family Communication. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Carlin, D. B., & Anderson, K. (2003). Across the ages: Views of the 2000 debates from college freshmen to senior citizens. In L. L. Kaid, J. C. Tedesco, D. G. Bystrom, & M. S. McKinney (Eds.), The Millennium Election: Communication in the 2000 campaigns. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.

Anderson, K., & Harwood, J. (2002). Imágenes de grupos de edad en los medios [Images of age groups in the media]. In Ministerio de Comunicaciones y Centro de Psicología Gerontológica - CEPSIGER (Eds. & Trans.), Periodismo y Comunicación para todas las edades. Bogotá, Colombia: Mincomunicaciones y Cepsiger.

Instructional Texts and Resources:

Anderson, K (Ed.). (2005).  Intersections:  An introduction to communication studies.  Denton, TX: (I)t (W)orks Publishing.

Anderson, K. (2003). Overcoming communication apprehension (pp. 33-36). In J. L. Lewis & T. M. Morris (Eds.), Communication & Connect: A Speaker-Audience Communication Handbook. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.

Ubel, S., & Anderson, K. (2003). Using language effectively (pp. 67-70). In J. L. Lewis & T. M. Morris (Eds.), Communication & Connect: A Speaker-Audience Communication Handbook. Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.

Jensen, K. K., & Anderson, K. (1998). Video User’s Guide for the Allyn & Bacon/ AFA Students Speeches Video III. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Grants and Contracts

2004 Faculty Research Grant (Research Initiation Grant Program), University of North Texas (UNT)
Title:  Developing a relationship-inclusive model of intergenerational communication:  The impact of the grandparent-grandchild relationship.
Status:  Funded 12/03/2004 for $3,500.
2004-2006 Blended Learning Research Grant, Center for Distributed Learning, UNT
Title:  Re-envisioning the Basic Communication Course:  A comparison of the Basic Course in online, blended, and face-to-face formats.
Status:  Funded 10/25/2004 for $10,000.

Submitted for Publication:

Banwart, M. C., & Anderson, K. (Under review). The Dynamics of Voter Knowledge: Exploring the Role of Gender, Age, and Party Affiliation in Candidate Selection.

Research Awards:
  • 2004 Top Paper in Communication and Aging Division at NCA Convention, Chicago, Illinois (Paper co-authored with Jake Harwood).
  • 2001 Kim Giffin Research Award, University of Kansas, Communication Studies Department
  • 1999 Top Four Paper in Instructional Development Division at CSCA/SSCA Convention, St. Louis, Missouri (Paper co-authored with Karla Kay Jensen and Chad Edwards).
  • 1999 Top Four Paper in Basic Course Division at CSCA/SSCA Convention, St. Louis, Missouri (Paper co-authored with Karla Kay Jensen).

Research Appointments:
  • 2002 University of Kansas, Research Associate, Election 2002 Project with Dr. Diana Carlin and Dr. Mary Banwart, Statistical data analysis for longitudinal state-wide polling project and helped develop coding system.
  • 2002 University of Kansas, Research Assistant, Social Cognition, Communication and Age Stereotyping Project with Dr. Mary Lee Hummert, Ran subjects, data entry, and transcription.
  • 2001 University of Kansas, Research Assistant, Social Support Project with Dr. Adrianne Kunkel, Transcription
  • 2000 University of Kansas & Commission on Presidential Debates, Research Associate, DebateWatch 2000 Project with Dr. Diana Carlin,Coordinated staff and volunteers, conducted statistical data analysis of four nation-wide debate watches, helped develop coding system, and helped with media relations.

Projects under Development:

Inter-group function of grandparent-grandchild relationship- This project explores the influence of grandparent-grandchild relationship on our understanding of intergenerational communication. Specifically, the inter-group function of the grandparent-grandchild relationship as an in-group association of family member and out-group association of age will be addressed. Currently in preparing manuscript.

Intergenerational interactions on prime-time television- This project examines the portrayals of intergenerational interactions between older adults and all other ages groups. The communication characteristics related to communication accommodation theory, emotional tone, and interpersonal conflict will be examined. Additionally, the importance of familial vs. non-familial relationships will be explored. Research analysis and preparation of manuscript stage.

Presentations:

Anderson , K., & May, F. A.  (October, 11, 2006).  Does the method of instruction matter?:  An experimental look at information literacy retention in the online and blended classrooms.  Paper presented at EDUCAUSE, Dallas , Texas .

Anderson, K. & Marrufo, S.  (April 6, 2006).  Transforming the basic communication course:  Course development and online training for beginning online instructors.  Paper presented at Southern States Communication Association (SSCA) Convention, Dallas , Texas .

Anderson, K. & McGlynn, J.  (April 6, 2006).  Re-envisioning the basic communication course:  A comparision of student outcomes in online, blended and face-to-face formats.  Paper presented at SSCA Convention, Dallas , Texas .

Anderson, K.  (October 6, 2005).  The journey to blended learning.  Panel presented at WebCT Texas Conference, San Antionio , Texas . 

Anderson, K.  (November 19, 2005).  How should we approach age stereotypes and intergroup associations in intergenerational relationships?:  The dichotomy of category-centered and person-centered perception approaches.  Paper presented at National Communication Association (NCA) Convention, Boston , Massachusetts . 

Anderson, K.  (April 10, 2005).  Senior’s for. . . .: The 2004 presidential campaigns’ strategies and appeals targeted at older adults.  Paper presented at Central States Communication Association (CSCA) Convention, Kansas City , Missouri .  

Anderson, K.  (April 9, 2005).  Critical issues in content analysis of media related research.  Paper presented at CSCA Convention, Kansas City , Missouri .  

Banwart, M. C. & Anderson, K. (November 13, 2004). The dynamics of voter knowledge: Exploring the role of gender, age, and party affiliation in candidate selection. Paper presented at National Communication Association (NCA) Convention, Chicago, Illinois.

Anderson, K., & Harwood, J. (November 12, 2004). Age-stereotypes in context: The importance of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. (Top Paper, Division of Communication and Aging). Paper presented at NCA Convention, Chicago, Illinois.

Anderson, K. (April 4, 2004). Spinning a Tangled Web: An Analysis of the Media and Candidate Spin of the 2004 Democratic Primary Debates. Paper presented at Central States Communication Association (CSCA) Convention, Cleveland, Ohio.

Anderson, K. (November 21, 2003). Reaching out to the public in Election 2002: A focus on the Kansas Statewide Election Study. Panel presented at the NCA Convention, Miami Beach, Florida.

Anderson, K. (April 13, 2003). A synopsis of three theoretical approaches to the study of social support. Paper presented at CSCA Convention, Omaha, Nebraska.

Anderson, K. (April 13, 2003). Critical thinking at the crossroads: Social scientific and humanistic perspectives. Panel presented at CSCA Convention, Omaha, Nebraska.

Anderson, K. (April 10, 2003). Communication at the crossroads: Investigation of structural equation modeling. Panel presented at CSCA Convention, Omaha, Nebraska.

Carlin, D. B., & Anderson, K. (April 10, 2003). Engaging the public voice in 2002: The methodological blending of focus groups and public opinion polling. Paper presented at the CSCA Convention, Omaha, Nebraska.

Anderson, K. (November 24, 2002). Activities for the basic interpersonal communication course and beyond. Panel presented at the NCA Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Anderson, K., & Rowland, R. C. (November 22, 2002). Expanding the functionalist approach to social movements: Negotiating individual and group identities in a deep ecology online community. Paper presented at the NCA Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Koesten, J., Hummert, M. L., & Anderson, K. (April 5, 2002). Exploring the influence of family communication patterns and interpersonal communication competence on adolescent risk behaviors. Paper presented at the CSCA Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Anderson, K. (November 1, 2001). What do they want to hear about? An examination of the issues in the 2000 Presidential Debates. Paper presented at the NCA Convention, Atlanta, Georgia.

Anderson, K. (April 7, 2001). E pluribus unum: Fostering graduate community by embracing diversity. Panel presented at the CSCA Convention, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Anderson, K. (April 6, 2001). Community building with Blackboard: A practical application. Paper presented at the CSCA Convention, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Anderson, K., Jensen, K. K., & McGee, D. S. (November 12, 2000). Examining the relationship between communicator style and immediacy in the college classroom. Paper presented at the NCA Convention, Seattle, Washington.

Anderson, K. (November 10, 2000). Engaging the discipline: Enhancing education and research by drawing on backgrounds in various disciplines. Panel presented at the NCA Convention, Seattle, Washington.

Anderson, K. (November 10, 2000). Incorporating service learning in the basic course. Paper presented at the NCA Convention, Seattle, Washington.

Anderson, K., Edwards, C., & Jensen, K. K. (November 9, 2000). Exploring the influence of teacher clarity and immediacy on student motivation and affective learning. Paper presented at the NCA Convention, Seattle, Washington.

Anderson, K. (November 9, 2000). Integrating diversity activities in communication courses. Panel presented at the NCA Convention, Seattle, Washington.

Anderson, K. (April 14, 2000). Reflecting upon the use of nonverbal immediacy behavior research in the classroom. Paper presented at the CSCA Convention, Detroit, Michigan.

Anderson, K. (November 4, 1999). Exploring how the study of instructional theory influences teaching assistants’ classroom experiences. Paper presented at the NCA Convention, Chicago, Illinois.

Anderson, K. & Jensen, K. K. (April 9, 1999). An examination of the speech evaluation process: Assessing reliability, validity and evaluators’ use of evaluation instruments. Paper presented at the CSCA/SSCA Convention (Top Four Paper Panel, Basic Course Division), St. Louis, Missouri.

Anderson, K., Edwards, C., & Jensen, K. K. (April 9, 1999). Examining the relationship between verbal immediacy and teacher clarity in the college classroom. Paper presented at the CSCA/SSCA Convention (Top Four Paper Panel, Instructional Development Division), St. Louis, Missouri.

Anderson, K. (October 1, 1998). Earth First!: Radicalism in the American environmental movement. Paper presented at the Texas Speech Communication Association Convention, South Padre Island, Texas.

Edwards, C. & Anderson, K. (October 1, 1998). Transitioning a policy debate team to parliamentary debate: An exploration of skills transference for coaches. Paper presented at the Texas Speech Communication Association Convention, South Padre Island, Texas.

Wahl, S. T. & Anderson, K. (October 1, 1998). Classroom communication apprehension measurement: An essential method of instruction. Paper presented at the Texas Speech Communication Association Convention, South Padre Island, Texas.

Anderson, K. (February 20, 1998). An examination of Jurgen Habermas’ Legitimation Crisis. Paper presented at the Texas Conference on Communication, Lubbock, Texas.

Anderson, K., Doty, T., Edwards, C., & Guajardo, M. (February 20, 1998). The effects of socialization and hierarchy on conflict in a forensic team. Paper presented at the Texas Conference on Communication, Lubbock, Texas.

 

Teaching

Academic Appointments:

2004-current: University of North Texas, Assistant Professor/ Basic Course Director

Courses taught Undergraduate:

  • Introduction to Human Communication (Large Lecture-Recitation Format)
  • Communication and Relational Development
  • Communication Theory

Courses taught Graduate:

  • Coordinate TA Orientation and Training for Department
  • Seminar in Pedagogy and Communication
  • Communication Theory

2003-2004: Newman University, Assistant Professor/ Director of Forensics

Courses taught:

  • Oral Communication
  • Introduction to Mass Communication
  • Group Communication
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Communication and Computer Technology
  • Forensics

1999-2003: University of Kansas, Graduate Teaching Assistant

Courses taught autonomously:

  • Public Speaking
  • Persuasive Speaking
  • Relational Communication
  • Problem Solving in Teams and Groups

Discussion Leader:

  • Behavioral Research Methods- Under the direction of Dr. Mary Lee Hummert, Dr. Jake Harwood and Dr. Mike Dennis

Grader:

  • Relational Communication
  • Rhetoric of Women’s Rights

2002: University of Missouri- Kansas City. Lecturer: Interpersonal Communication- Writing Intensive

1999: Western Texas College, Instructor: Public Speaking

1997-1999: Texas Tech University, Graduate Teaching Assistant

Courses taught autonomously:

  • Public Speaking
  • Business and Professional Speaking

Discussion Leader:

  • Public Speaking- Under the direction of Dr. Karla Kay Jensen
  • Business and Professional Speaking- Under the direction of Dr. K. David Roach

1997-1999: Texas Tech University, Graduate Forensics Assistant

  • Worked in coaching team under Dr. David E. Williams, Director of Forensics and Mr. Trent Webb, Assistant Director of Forensics.
  • Head coach for Parliamentary Debate, Persuasion and Poetry during 1998-1999 season.

Teaching and Leadership Awards:
  • 2004 Pioneer Award, Center for Distributed Learning, University of North Texas
  • 2002 Excellent Teaching by a Graduate Student, Instructional and Development Division of the International Communication Association
  • 2002 E. C. Buehler Teaching Fellowship, University of Kansas, Communication Studies Department
  • 2002 William A. Conboy Graduate Student Leadership Award, University of Kansas, Communication Studies Department
  • 2000 Graduate School Dean’s Award, University of Kansas
  • 1999 Outstanding Graduate Student, Texas Tech University, Communication Studies Department
  • 1997 Speech Communication Student of the Year, Washburn University
  • 1997 Forensics Leadership Award, Washburn University

 

Service

Departmental Service:

  • 2006-2007       Executive Committee, University of North Texas

  • 2006-2007       Faculty Advisor for Communication Organization of Graduate Students, University of North Texas

  • 2006                Search Committee for Rhetoric Lecturer Position, University of North Texas

  • 2005-2006       Recruitment Committee, University of North Texas

  • 2005-2006       Teaching Evaluation Committee Chair, University of North Texas

  • 2005-2006       Search Committee for Performance Faculty Position, University of North Texas

  • 2005-2006       Curriculum Committee Chair, University of North Texas

  • 2005-2006       Basic Courses Committee, University of North Texas

  • 2005                Search Committee for Rhetoric Faculty Position, University of North Texas

  • 2005                “Secretary” for Department Faculty Meeting, University of North Texas

  • 2005                Student Conference Planning Committee, University of North Texas

  • 2004-2005       Service Learning Committee Chair, University of North Texas

  • 2004-2005       Awards Committee, University of North Texas

  • 2004-2005       Basic Courses Committee, University of North Texas

  • 2004-2005       Curriculum Committee, University of North Texas

  • 2003 Communication Club Co-Advisor, Newman University
  • 2001 Search Committee for Communication Studies Faculty Position, University of Kansas
  • 2000 Coordinated Graduate Student Vita Workshop, University of Kansas
  • 2000 Communication Studies Graduate Student Organization President, University of Kansas

University and College Service:

  • 2005 Quality Enhancement Plan Assessment Sub-committee, University of North Texas

  • 2003 School of Arts and Humanities Website Project Coordinator, Newman University

  • 2003 Committee Member for the Evaluation of Chairpersons and Directors Subcommittee, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Kansas

  • 2002 College Assembly Representative, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Kansas
  • 2000 Committee Member for Graduate School Program Review Board, University of Kansas
  • 2000 Selection Committee Member for Graduate Student Distinguished Service Award, University of Kansas
  • 2000 Graduate Student Executive Council, University of Kansas
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Professional Service:

  • 2006 Guest Reviewer for Western Journal of Communication

  • 2006 Chair, Central States Communication Association (CSCA), Political Communication Division

  • 2006 Thesis Award Committee, National Communication Association (NCA), Communication and Aging Division

  • 2005-2007 Editorial Board Member for Communication Research Reports

  • 2005 Chair-Elect and Program Planner for 2006 Convention, CSCA, Political Communication Division

  • 2005 Paper Reviewer, International Communication Association ( ICA ), Conference Theme Program

  • 2005 Paper Reviewer, NCA, Communication and Aging Division

  • 2004 Vice Chair Elect, Central States Communication Association (CSCA), Political Communication Division
  • 2004 Paper Reviewer, National Communication Association (NCA), Political Communication Division
  • 2004 Paper Reviewer, CSCA, Political Communication Division
  • 2003 Paper Reviewer, NCA, Political Communication Division
  • 2003 Paper Reviewer, International Communication Association, Instructional and Development Division
  • 2003 Paper Reviewer, CSCA, Graduate Student Division

Membership in Professional Organizations:

  • National Communication Association (since 1998)
  • Central States Communication Association (since 1999)
  • International Communication Association (since 2002)

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