JOUR 1111: Annotated Bibliography

Peer Reviewed Article

Cleaver, G. (1987). Family Relations: Marriage Enrichment by Means of a Structured Communication Programme. National Council on Family Relations, 36, 49-54.

Glenda Cleaver presents a well-sourced perspective on the analysis of marriage enrichment through structured communication.  She draws on the views of family relations experts Geoffrey Leigh, Irene Loewen and Mark Lester, among others. Although Cleaver argues that conflict in marriage is inevitable, she looks at an experiment that investigates the effectiveness of teaching communication skills to married couples using a structured videotape (Cleaver, 1987).The videotape contains a short explanation of the principles underlying communication, shows models which demonstrate the skills to be learned, and provides practice exercises for participants (Cleaver, 1987). Cleaver has focussed on two groups of married couples who were taught the relevant communication skills using different methods. The experimental group was taught the skills using the videotape, while the control group was taught the skills without the use of the videotape (Cleaver, 1987). After discussing other experts' conclusions in relation to the findings, Cleaver says that a significant improvement was evident for both groups using the skills taught. Cleaver goes on to write that even though both methods appear to be effective in the short term, the follow-up measures indicated that the effectiveness of the videotape was more lasting (Cleaver, 1987).

Portrayal of the same story by three different mediums

Morton, J. (2012, May 1). Genia signing will lead to others, says Reds. The Roar. Retrieved from http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/05/01/genia-signing-will-lead-to-others-says-reds/

The Roar online news website advertises itself as a combination of expert columnists with edited fan-written sports articles. The author Jim Morton, is a long-time contributor to the website, and with no professional qualifications, his piece was initially viewed sceptically. However, by relying heavily on primary sources to shape his article, he presents a viewpoint that is not just his own opinion on the issues. Morton has used quotes from key stakeholders in the issue, such as Will Genia and Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie. Genia expresses his happiness and content with his decision to stay with the Reds, despite accepting less money than what he was offered from the Western Force. Later, Coach Ewen McKenzie argues that the signing is a boost for the Reds, and will help to secure other players that go 'off contract' at the end of the season. Both sources share their view that it was the best outcome for the Queensland Reds. Morton focuses on the Queensland perspective of the issues, without considering the circumstances of the other parties involved.

Way, B. (Reporter). (2012, May 1). Foxsports News Australia, Sydney: FOX SPORTS Australia Pty Limited.

A news report on Fox Sports News provides a dramatic account of Will Genia’s decision to stay with the Queensland Reds. Reporter Ben Way chooses to focus on the frustration felt by the Western Force administration, as the Queensland Rugby Union released a statement saying Genia had made the decision to move, before he had signed a contract. Rugby WA chief executive Vern Reid is quoted, expressing that he wished Genia had followed through on the verbal agreement that had been made. Further, the report speculates that the QRU’s statement may have been released to create a public backlash towards Genia and force him to change his mind, which was described as “a sensational back flip”. He makes a controversial link by going on to argue that the incident reinforces a history of “bad blood” among the two franchises. It uses examples of the Western Force “poaching” players from Queensland back in 2006, when the Perth-based team was setting up. 

Macdonald, M. (2012, May 1). Queensland keeps Will Genia after bizarre backflip. The Australian, p.40

 

Margie MacDonald is an experienced journalist that has been working with the AAP for a number of years. Whilst not as emotional as the Foxsports piece, MacDonald chooses to focus on the conspiracy behind Will Genia’s decision to stay in Queensland. MacDonald begins by arguing that there were reasons for Genia’s change of heart, much deeper then what he told the media. Like Jim Morton’s article, MacDonald draws on comments made by Genia relating to why he chose to stay in Queensland. However, the effect that the contracting incident had on the Western Force is emphasised. The author describes the Force administration as having had their “feather ruffled”, and accuses the Reds' move as being against protocols that apply to player announcements. Unlike either of the items discussed earlier, MacDonald draws attention to how Genia was “not impressed” that the verbal agreement given to the Force on Thursday was leaked to the media.