School of Information, Communication and Media Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.rongovarsity.ac.ke/handle/123456789/581

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Browsing School of Information, Communication and Media Studies by Author "Ajwang, Stephen Oloo"

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    Exploring the thin line between misinformation and facts in the era of COVID-19 in selected border counties of Kenya
    (2021-04-18) Ajwang, Stephen Oloo; Mac'Ouma, Enock
    Introduction: Information seeking behavior of the affected populations during a pandemic is believed to significantly influence the way the population manages the epidemic and curb its spread. This study sought to identify and profile reliable sources of information that the residents of Migori and Homa-Bay Counties in Kenya could use to curb the spread of COVID-19 virus and enhance efficient management of risks associated with the pandemic. Material and Methods: A survey method was used in which quantitative data was generated through administration of online questionnaires to 250 participants which were purposively selected. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and results presented in form of tables and graphs. A survey method was used in which quantitative data was generated through administration of online questionnaires to 250 participants which were purposively selected. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and results presented in form of tables and graphs. Results: The study found out that the top 3 frequently used sources information was television, official government press releases and social media. The study also found out that there was high correlation between the sources that were frequently used and their perceived credibility with a coefficient of R2=0.8426. English was the most preferred language for use in sharing information. Further, the respondents preferred to receive information based on how to protect self and the family. Conclusion: To counter the spread of misinformation, the study has therefore profiled information sources and recommended that television, official government press releases and properly managed social media should be used to package and share relevant COVID-19 information to reach the target population.
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    Publish or perish in the era of artificial intelligence:
    (Emerald Publishing Limited,, 2024-06-28) Ajwang, Stephen Oloo; Ikoha, Anselimo Peters
    Purpose This study aims to shed light on the dilemma of “publish or perish” within the context of artificial intelligence (AI) and to suggest approaches that scholars and organizations can implement to enhance ethical behavior in research and publishing. Design/methodology/approach This investigation examined institutional guidelines, policies, processes, norms and prior research to pinpoint ethical patterns that could be leveraged to promote ethical behavior in research and publishing. Findings The research outlined various unethical behaviors that have a detrimental impact on research outcomes including falsification, fabrication, plagiarism, p-hacking, authorship conflicts of interest, salami publication, republishing and manipulation of visual data, as well as incorrect selection of statistical analysis techniques. Furthermore, the study recommends optimal strategies for researchers and institutions to improve the quality of research, such as embracing the Open Research Library, forming partnerships and consortia, adhering to established informed consent standards and safeguarding confidentiality and privacy, among other practices. Practical implications These findings can serve as a foundation for policies that enable institutions and scholars to heighten their comprehension of ethical research practices and establish mechanisms for supervising research outcomes. Originality/value Numerous research and educational institutions are contending with new obstacles brought about by using technologies such as AI. These findings can offer a reference point to stimulate the ongoing discourse regarding the utilization of generative AI in academic settings.