Method

This study was conducted using a mixed methods research approach. In order to obtain

more accurate and detailed results, I needed the use of multiple approaches. For my study, a

mixed method approach was the perfect integration of quantitative and qualitative data that could

help me better analyze my participants and accurately collect data. I utilized a Likert scale in

order to gain a more in depth understanding of how each of my participants specifically felt

towards a certain topic. The Likert scale options varied depending on each question. Majority of

options within my Likert scaled included strongly agree agree disagree strongly

disagree. Listed below are more details on my participants, measures, and procedures used to

implement my research study.

Participants

When looking for participants I kept in mind that most adolescent African Americans

may be too young to be able to properly assess themselves and provide accurate feedback. I

chose an age group that would not only be easily assessable to me, but would also be a good

midpoint between adolescence and adulthood. Out of my 24 participants, 13 of them were male

making up 54.2% while the remaining 11 were female, making up 45.8%. Participants were

between the ages 21 and 23 and currently working towards earning their bachelors. The mean (or

average) age recorded was 21 with a total of 13 participants (54.2% of participants) being that

age. The second highest age recorded was 22 with a total of 9 participants (37.5% of

participants) being that age. The smallest age group was 23, with only two people (8.3%) being

that age. Each participant comes from an African American household and identify as African
American or of African descent. Socio economic status was not recorded and was not necessary

for the study.

Measures

In order to collect data, I conducted a google forms survey that comprised of one short

pre questionnaire in the beginning, followed up by a two-part questionnaire. The pre

questionnaire required each participant to answer three questions: their age, gender, and how

many hours of television they watch per week. The options for the third question were as

follows: 1-3 hours, 3-6 hours, 6-10 hours, and more than 10 hours. The first part of the survey

was a self-quiz that tested each participants current level of self-esteem. The test was originally

conducted by Steven McCornack as a way to help people gauge their level of self esteem. This

test was originally tested in McCornacks textbook Reflect and Relate: An Introduction to

Interpersonal Communication. The test presents statements about ones self such as I feel that I

have a number of good qualities I am able to do things as well as most other people and I

feel that I am a person of worth (McCornack, 2012). Participants were then asked to rate

whether or not they strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree with each statement.

This self-assessment test provided by McCornack offer a reliable and valid measurement of how

one views him or herself. The second part of the questionnaire focused on how each individual

perceived the media (specifically what they witness on television). These questions asked each

participant how they personally feel towards the way African Americans are represented in the

media. The questions in this section ranged from personal opinion questions such as how would

you describe the portrayals of African Americans on television to how would you describe the

portrayals of African Americans on television? These tests and questionnaires allowed me to

gain a better understanding of how to measure each participants self esteem level and how to

gain a better insight on their personal experience/ opinions on how Eurocentrism has personally

affected (or not affected) the way they perceive themselves.

Procedures

In order to recruit proper candidates, I began by looking for students who come from

predominately African American households and identify themselves as African American

citizens. For each participant whom I found, I recorded their name, age, and gender. I made sure

to only include participants who were college students and above the age 21. I found participant

by asking friends and classmates to send me their emails if they fit the criteria. Once the google

form was created, I sent it out to each participant individually. Each participant filled out the

survey individually without any knowledge of how many others were participating in the study.

Once each individual filled out the google form survey online, their answers were automatically

send to me via email. Since the survey was not long and took each participant less than five

minutes to complete, participants were not compensated.