Dr. George A. Barnett
webpage: http://www.communication.buffalo.edu/people/faculty/barnett/index.shtml
Research Interests:
Communication & social change; Social & communication networks; International telecommunications; Communication campaigns; Risk communication
Summary of Recent Relevant Research:
Dr. Barnett is a recognized expert on the development, implementation and monitoring of communication campaigns that may be applied to political, health or marketing situations. Recently, he has been involved with the development of a campaign to warn teenagers about the risk to their hearing associated with listening to loud music, films and video games. The figure displays the concepts in the optimal message to reposition “protecting your hearing” closer to the self-concept. If the message were implemented, it would result in approximately a 90% improvement in the position of the “protecting your hearing”, a more positive attitude and more frequent behaviors avoiding the risky behavior. He is also an expert in social/communication networks. Over the last year, he has been working with Professor Sheridan on developing communication campaigns in response to and for mitigation of the damage caused by natural disasters, which includes the role of social networks in recovery from natural disasters.
