Södertörns högskolas Publications
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Framing the Feed : A Framing Analysis of the 2024 Syrian Power Shift by CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera English on Instagram
No full textThis thesis explores how international news outlets frame their conflict reporting on Instagram’s multimodal format. The study uses a quantitative content analysis to analyse CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera English’s Instagram coverage of the HTS offensive and the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria in late 2024 to discover dominant framing practices on social media. Frames were analysed across text, visuals, and audio, focusing on three framing dimensions: war and peace, thematic and episodic, and Semetko and Valkenburg’s generic frame types. Findings show that conflict, war, and episodic frames remain dominant, echoing traditional reporting styles. However, modality-specific patterns show that audio elements often introduce more thematic and human narratives, and visuals are more likely to depict peace-oriented imagery. These results suggest that Instagram’s multimodality influences framing practices. Each outlet largely maintains its established editorial identity. CNN emphasises war, conflict, and episodic frames, while the BBC is slightly more balanced. Al Jazeera, on the other hand, foregrounds human interest and peace frames. Nevertheless, cross-modality analysis likewise shows that while outlets continue their established strategies, there is also an editorial awareness of Instagram’s platform affordances
Pulse, interaction and timing in the music class : A eurythmics teacher´s analysis of three lessons in middle school
No full textI denna magisteruppsats undersöks tre scener från en musiksal i grundskolan sett ur en rytmik- och musiklärares perspektiv. Uppsatsen är utformad som en vetenskaplig essä enligt en metod som har utvecklats på Centrum för praktisk kunskap på Södertörns högskola. Under mina år som pedagog har rytmikpedagogik visat sig vara en stor tillgång för att träna samspel och upptäcka dold musikalitet hos elever. Genom att analysera de tre scenerna ges en reflekterande tolkning av hur puls, samspel och timing kan betyda olika saker beroende på situationen. Skrivandet av essän har lett till en insikt om vikten att kunna läsa av en grupps fysiska och musikaliska timing och rörelsemönster. Känslan för timing är central för att höra när något sticker ut, stoppar flödet, tar över eller när någon försvinner i mängden. Uppsatsen landar i slutsatsen att timing och puls är två musikaliska göranden som kan vara verktyg i att skapa ett vi. I de tre scenerna som inleder essän finns det dock olika sorters ´vi´. Det kan vara inkluderande och exkluderande. I en typ av samspel kan det ge en känsla av att ´vi´ tillsammans klarar något, medan den starka grupptillhörigheten andra gånger kan stöta bort någon. Puls och timing kan i vissa situationer fungera tvingande, medan den andra gånger är tillåtande. I essän presenteras tre olika typer av puls: den metriska, den accelererande och den agogiska pulsen. Scenerna analyseras med hjälp av texter som handlar om bl.a. subjektivering, pluralitet och empatisk timing. This master's thesis examines three scenes from primary school music classes from the perspective of a eurhythmic and music teacher. The thesis is written as a scientific essay using a method that has been developed at the Center for Studies in Practical Knowledge at Södertörn University. Over my years as a primary school teacher, eurhythmic pedagogy has proven a great asset for improving classroom interplay and discovering latent musicality in students. The analysis of the three scenes found that pulse, interplay and timing can mean different things in different situations. Writing the essay has led to an insight into the importance of being able to read a group´s physical and musical timing and movement. A sense of timing is key to notice when something stands out, stops the flow, takes over or when someone disappears into the crowd. The thesis finds that timing and pulse are two musical actions that can be tools in creating a we. However, in the three scenes analysed there are different kinds of ‘we’, an inclusive one and an exclusive one. Sometimes the interplay in music classes can enhance a feeling that ´we´ can accomplish things together, while in another context, it can create a strong group bond that excludes and pushes people away. Pulse and timing can at times be coercive, while in a different situation it can be more open and accepting. The thesis presents three different types of pulse: the metric, the accelerating and the agogic pulse. The scenes are analysed with the help of texts on matters such as subjectification, plurality and empathic timing
Varumärkeslojalitet i lågkonjunktur : En studie om samspel mellan priskänslighet och varumärkeslojalitet i konsumenternas köpbeslut inom dagligvaruhandel
No full textStudien undersöker samspelet mellan priskänslighet och varumärkeslojalitet under lågkonjuktur i konsumenters beslutfattande kring daglivaror, med synnerligen fokus på kampanjblad i digitala miljöer. Studien utgår från tre teorier: Holbrooks Consumer Value Framework, Kellers Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) och Aakers Brand Equity. Med hjälp av en kvalitativ metod, bestående av deltagande observationer och semistrukturerade intervjuer belyses konsumenters bakomliggande drivkrafter. Resultatet visar att priset framträder som en stark heuristik vid digitala visuella jämförelser. Samtidigt framträder en selektiv lojalitet där varumärken med starka associationer till kvalitet, tillit och vana väger tyngre än priset. Konsumenter är ofta villiga att betala mer eller minska volymen av sina inköp snarare än att byta till billigare substitut. Studien visar även att butikens varumärkeskapital spelar en framträdande roll. The study examines the interaction between price sensitivity and brand loyalty during a recession in consumer decision-making around daily necessities, with particular focus on campaign leaflets in digital environments. The study is based on three theories: Holbrooks Consumer Value Framework, Kellers Consumer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) and Aakers Brand Equity. Using a qualitative method, consisting of participant observations and semi-structed interviews, consumer’s underlying driving forces are elucidated. The results show that price emerges as a strong heuristic in visual comparisons. At the same time, a selective loyalty emerges where brands with strong associations with quality, trust and habit weigh more heavily than price. Consumers are often willing to pay more or reduce the volume of their purchases rather than switch to cheaper substitutes. The study also shows that the store’s brand equity plays a prominent role.
Deep Learning on Demand : A qualitative study on students’ use of ChatGPT in higher education
No full textDenna studie undersöker hur studenter inom högre utbildning använder ChatGPT under informella studiesituationer i vardagen, samt hur deras informationspraktiker formas i mötet med språkmodellens responsiva logik. Genom en kvalitativ ansats baserad på semistrukturerade intervjuer och skärmbilder från två studenter inom teknisk fysik och två inom biomedicinsk analys, analyseras språkmodellen både som informationsteknologi och en aktör som påverkar hur kunskap söks, tolkas och förstås. Analysen utgår det teoretiska ramverket Expanded Model for Everyday Information Practices (E-EIP) samt analysmetoden diskursiv gränssnittsanalys, i syfte att undersöka hur gränssnittets design signalerar vissa beteenden som önskvärda och andra som mindre tillgängliga. Materialet visar att ChatGPT främst används för att spara tid, strukturera uppgifter, skapa överblick och att användningenkantas av varierande grad källkritisk reflektion. Gränssnittet främjar ett transaktionellt förhållningssätt till kunskap, där användaren tilltalas som kund snarare än ett lärande subjekt. ChatGPT upplevs som ett bollplank men formar samtidigt studenters uppfattning om vad som är relevant, möjligt och legitimt i studiesammanhang. Studien behandlar därmed språkmodellens normerande roll i studenters lärande, och framhäver behovet av att kritiskt förstå hur generativ AI påverkar akademiska praktiker och informationskompetens. This study explores how students in higher education use ChatGPT in their informal everyday studies, and how their information practices are shaped in interaction with the large language model. Drawing on a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews and screenshots from two students in engineering physics and two in biomedical analysis, the study analyzes ChatGPT's role as a study tool, and as a formative actor in knowledge practices. The analysis applies the Expanded Model for Everyday Information Practices (E-EIP) and discursive interface analysis to examine the affordances embedded in the interface design. The findings show that while students use ChatGPT to save time, clarify complex material and structure tasks, their use is also marked by ethical uncertainty and fluctuating critical engagement with information. The interface logic promotes a transactional approach to knowledge, positioning the user more as a customer rather than a learning subject. ChatGPT’s design encourages efficiency and surface-level understanding, subtly guiding student behavior and expectations. The study highlights how generative AI technologies shape what is perceived as relevant, legitimate and reasonable in learning environments - emphasizing the socio-technical nature of knowledge production and the need for critical information literacy in an AI-driven academic landscape.
Minimalism vs. Complexity: User Experience and Cognitive Load : A User Study on the Impact of Web Interface Complexity on Perceived Cognitive Load and Perceived User Experience in First-Time Website Visitors
No full textThis study investigates how the complexity of a web interface influences the perceived cognitive load and user experience among first-time website visitors. The CNN website was used as an example of a visually complex interface, and a minimalist prototype was developed to contrast its design. Twelve participants took part in testing both interfaces by completing a series of tasks, followed by cognitive load questionnaires (NASA-TLX) and semi-structured interviews. The findings show that the minimalist prototype in comparison to the CNN website, was less straining on the mind, as indicated by lower NASA-TLX scores, and was generally perceived as more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. In contrast, the CNN site was described as overwhelming and visually crowded, although some participants appreciated its variety of content. These results highlight the trade-offs between minimalist and visually complex designs, offering insight for web designers aiming to balance clarity, usability, and informational richness
Learning to think with business students : University teachers’ experiences of challenges in teaching in higher education
No full textHere, eight university teachers in business administration describe their own teaching situations, on the basis of which they, with the help of pedagogical and philosophical theories, examine and reflect on their practical knowledge. What can these teachers’ accounts and reflections tell us about the working situation of university teachers? When problematic situations arise, how are they dealt with? How do the teachers encourage students with widely different expectations, contrasting backgrounds, and with varying degrees of motivation, to learn new ways of thinking and to develop into independent professionals? Originally published in Swedish in 2014, this volume offers a compelling picture of how university teachers grapple with pedagogical challenges in a higher education system increasingly focused on efficiency and maximizing the number of students who complete their studies. The difficulties described by the teachers then have not diminished – if anything, they have grown. For this English edition, a new preface has been added, situating the discussion in a contemporary context of higher education pedagogy, along with a new chapter exploring how the transformation of the university system has impacted the actual practice of teaching today
Living Among Ticks: Behavioral Patterns and Risk Consideration in the Stockholm Archipelago : Exploring Human Exposure and Protective Strategies Against Tick-Borne Diseases
No full textTick-borne infections are an increasing concern in Northern Europe, particularly in regions with high levels of outdoor activity. This research examines the behavioral factors that influence an individual's exposure to ticks in the Stockholm Archipelago, with a focus on the gap between awareness and protective action. Using a survey conducted with 141 respondents, including permanent residents, seasonal visitors, and occasional guests, the research explores outdoor habits, use of protective measures, and knowledge of tick-borne infections. Findings show a high degree of engagement in tick-prone environments like forests and meadows, with common activities including hiking, gardening, and dog walking. Despite a strong general awareness of tick-related risks and high TBE vaccination coverage, nearly half of the participants reported having contracted a tick-borne infection, most commonly Lyme borreliosis. Protective behaviors were inconsistently applied, where many participants wore shorts or slippers in the forest and rarely used repellents, often citing comfort or habit as barriers. The Health Belief Model was used to frame the analysis, revealing that while most respondents recognized the risk, this did not always translate into consistent protective actions. Factors such as perceived discomfort, cultural norms, and lifestyle habits emerged as key barriers to behavior change. Dog ownership, frequency of visits to nature, and prior tick exposure were stronger predictors of risk than gender or age. This study underscores the importance of complementing public health education with interventions that address practical and cultural barriers to behavior change. Tailored strategies that consider local traditions and promote feasible protective behaviors are essential to reducing incidences of tick-borne infections in endemic regions
Barn och unga i riskzonen för gängkriminalitet : En kvalitativ studie om risk- och skyddsfaktorer och förebyggande insatser
No full textThis study investigates the risk and protective factors influencing the involvement of children and young people in gang-related criminality in disadvantaged areas. It also explores the challenges faced by professionals within social services and the police in preventive work. Interviews with two police officers and two social workers indicate that school failure is often a key risk factor. Using ecological systems theory and labeling theory, the study analyzes how social environments and societal responses shape youth development. These theoretical frameworks highlight the interplay between individuals, families, schools, and broader society, as well as how negative labeling can reinforce marginalization and criminal identity. Findings show that the need for belonging and recognition, combined with the influence of social media, often contributes to the recruitment of youth into criminal networks. Protective factors such as stable adult relationships, academic success, and meaningful leisure activities are essential in prevention. Effective collaboration between social services, the police, schools, and families is crucial, though hindered by limited resources and unclear responsibilities
