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Final Proposal Outline

Teresa Pham

Department of Communication Studies, University of North Texas

COMM 3010: Communication Perspectives

Dr. Jennifer Gray

April 8, 2020
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Final Proposal Outline

Self-disclosure is considered vital in the development of friendships within two

individuals and serves as a catalyst for individuals to grow closer with one another (Chen &

Nakazawa, 2009; Laurenceau & Kleinman, 2006; Nehra & Rangnekar, 2017; Shelton et al.,

2010). The researchers conducted multiple studies interpersonal relationships, specifically

friendships and the phenomenon of self-disclosure in which occurs for individuals to be able to

bond with one another (Chen & Nakazawa, 2009; Koenig et al., 2015; Laurenceau & Kleinman,

2006; Nehra & Rangnekar, 2017; Pietilä, 2005). A lot of researchers have conducted studies in

which explored the notion as to how individuals grow closer with one another based on similar

ethnic and racial backgrounds, gender identity, sex, and social class (Baym et al., 2007; Chen &

Nakazawa, 2009; Jackl, 2018; Shelton et al., 2010). Although researchers chose to focus on how

an individual is impacted when they participate in storytelling, self-disclosing, and revealing

intimate details about themselves, (Chen & Nakazawa, 2009; Koenig et al., 2015; Nehra &

Rangnekar, 2017; Pietilä, 2005), these researchers have not investigated the substance of the

information that two individuals share with one another and how sharing this information with

one another can lead relational growth. Specifically, when two individuals share their personal

interests such as movies and media, and how these pieces of media personally relate to them as

people (Baym & Ledbetter, 2009; Chen & Nakazawa, 2009; Oliver & Hartmann, 2010; Pietilä,

2005). How individuals self-disclose pieces of media such as: movies and music to another

person, would be an insightful research study because this would provide some insight in

understanding when individuals share this information about themselves, relays an insight to the

other person as to who they are as people.

Research Question
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When two unfamiliar individuals come together to better understand one another, self-

disclosure is needed in order for the friendship to develop (Chen & Nakazawa, 2009; Koenig et

al., 2015; Laurenceau & Kleinman, 2006; Nehra & Rangnekar, 2017; Pietilä, 2005). In the

process of self-disclosure, individuals would start off the conversation relaying similarities

between the two individuals such as: age, ethnic or racial background, sex, or gender identity

(Baym et al., 2007; Chen & Nakazawa, 2009; Jackl, 2018; Shelton et al., 2010). However,

despite the fact the researchers would study what would occur after the two individuals have

finished speaking on basic information, and how close the two individuals would be with one

another, the researchers failed to study as to the development of the conversation in relation to

intimacy. Also the researchers failed to conduct research in which analyzes the substance and the

phenomenon that occurs when individuals share with one another, of their favorite pieces of

media (movies, music). I propose a study in which analyzes the phenomenon that occurs when

individuals self-disclose their favorite pieces of media with another person. This study is

necessary for research because researchers would be able to gain knowledge as to how intimacy

is facilitated and grown through self-disclosure, and how when an individual share their favorite

piece of media with the other person, this phenomenon serves a catalyst for the other person to

be able to learn more about who that particular person is. This phenomenon leads to a certain

type of bonding to occur between the two individuals, and for a sense of trust to develop in the

process.

RQ1: How do individuals grow closer in friendship when they self-disclose their favorite

piece of media (music, movies) with another person?

Literature Review

I. Attention getter:
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II. Importance of topic:

III. Thesis: Understanding the impacts and effects of when individuals self-disclose of

their favorite movies and music on friendships; might broaden the understanding of

how the result of this phenomenon can actually help the friendship grow in intimacy

IV. Preview:

Impact of Self-Disclosure on Individuals

I. 1st paragraph topic- Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening sentence: definition of self-disclosure (_________)

b. Evidence: Self-disclosure on individuals made a massive impact

c. Sub-supporting evidence (2-3 additional studies that support, advance, or

contradict the main evidence from first study)

II. 2nd paragraph topic: Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence:

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence

III. 3rd paragraph topic:

a. Opening sentence:

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence

IV. 4th paragraph topic:

a. Opening sentence:

b. Evidence:

c. Sub-supporting evidence:
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(Add more paragraph outlines as needed)

Transition sentence to Section 2:

Section 2 Name

I. Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence for Paragraph 1

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence (2-3 additional studies that support, advance, or

contradict the main evidence from first study)

II. Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence for Paragraph 2

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence

III. Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence for Paragraph 3

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence

IV. Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence for Paragraph 4

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence

(Add more paragraph outlines as needed)

Transition sentence to Section 3:

Section 3 Name
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I. Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence for Paragraph 1

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence (2-3 additional studies that support, advance, or

contradict the main evidence from first study)

II. Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence for Paragraph 2

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence

III. Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence for Paragraph 3

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence

IV. Briefly describe the topic of this paragraph.

a. Opening/Topic sentence for Paragraph 4

b. Evidence

c. Sub-supporting evidence

(Add more paragraph outlines as needed)

Transition sentence to conclusion:

Conclusion

I. Summarize points made

II. Reiterate importance and thesis

III. End with closing thought

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Rationale

(leave blank for now)

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References

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