Why Kids Are 'Lovin' It': a Q Methodology Analysis of the Appeal of Mcdonald's Erica Nelson Rivera Brigham Young University
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Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive All Theses and Dissertations 2016-06-01 Why Kids Are 'Lovin' It': A Q Methodology Analysis of the Appeal of McDonald's Erica Nelson Rivera Brigham Young University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd Part of the Communication Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Rivera, Erica Nelson, "Why Kids Are 'Lovin' It': A Q Methodology Analysis of the Appeal of McDonald's" (2016). All Theses and Dissertations. 6440. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/6440 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Why Kids Are 'Lovin' It': A Q Methodology Analysis of the Appeal of McDonald’s Erica Nelson Rivera A thesis submitted to the faculty of Brigham Young University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Tom Robinson, Chair Clark Callahan Kristoffer Boyle School of Communications Brigham Young University June 2016 Copyright © 2016 Erica Nelson Rivera All Rights Reserved ABSTRACT Why Kids Are 'Lovin' It': A Q Methodology Analysis of the Appeal of McDonald’s Erica Nelson Rivera School of Communications, BYU Master of Arts The dramatic rise in childhood obesity is a major concern nationwide. Unprecedented media exposure, drastically decreased time spent interacting as a family, and the consumption of calorie-dense foods are all heated topics of discussion with ties to weight gain. In this research, possible associations are examined between media, social groups and a favorite fast-food restaurant among children: McDonald’s. Q methodology was used to analyze the various factors that draw children to McDonald’s. With a theoretical background in social learning theory, this study had 29 children rank-order 30 photographs depicting elements of the McDonald’s experience. Pictures included the most and least popular food items, social events like birthday parties and eating with family, physical aspects of McDonald’s, such as the Playplace and dining area, famous McDonald’s characters and celebrities, promotional events and giveaways, like the monopoly game, food coupons and Happy Meal toys. The participants then took part in an interview. Results of the study resemble existing research into what motivates children to go to McDonald’s, including the food and Playplace. However, this study also reveals three new factors contributing to the restaurant’s popularity for kids: their need to be with friends and family, frequenting the restaurant as a sort of comfortable rite or tradition, and the fame with which McDonald’s is associated. The findings suggest the importance of social education about food habits from parents, in spite of an increased dependence on media and peers for information. Keywords: social learning theory, obesity, children, McDonald’s, advertising, Q methodology ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am forever indebted to an excellent team of professors, students, staff and family who have helped in this process. A special thanks to Dr. Robinson, my mentor and Thesis Chair for his encouragement, insight and sacrifices made on my behalf. Dr. Callahan and Dr. Boyle are excellent committee members, and I am so grateful for their time and flexibility in working on this project. Janice Cho, the staff and kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Provo were invaluable, without them the research could not have been done. Another special thanks to Dr. Church who helped interpret the data with excellent insight. I am equally blessed to have an amazing family; in particular, my supportive and enthusiastic husband, Heber, has helped me to work through frustrations and continue on this project until the end. Alli, my editor, sister, and cheerleader was vital for ensuring a quality document. I have been privileged to know and associate with so many outstanding people. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iv List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ vii Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 2: Context and Historical Overview .................................................................................. 2 The Birth of the Burger and Fast-Food Culture .......................................................................... 2 McDonald’s: Humble Birth to Fast-Food Domination ............................................................... 3 The Discovery of Lucrative Fast-Food Advertising (to Children) .............................................. 4 The Cooking-Free Culture of Convenience ................................................................................ 6 Kid Consumers ............................................................................................................................ 7 The Evolution of a Mediated Society: Radio, Television, Internet and Advertising .................. 9 The McDonald’s Advertising Machine: Television Advertising .............................................. 11 New Forms of Media................................................................................................................. 13 Advergames ............................................................................................................................... 14 Display Advertising................................................................................................................... 14 Smartphone Apps ...................................................................................................................... 15 Social Media .............................................................................................................................. 16 Alternative Advertising ............................................................................................................. 17 Demographic Differences ......................................................................................................... 19 Ad Regulation ........................................................................................................................... 20 The “Healthier” McDonald’s Today ......................................................................................... 22 v TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.) Chapter 3: Theoretical Overview .................................................................................................. 25 Advertising Strategies ............................................................................................................... 25 Branding for Life ....................................................................................................................... 25 Direct/ Indirect Advertising and Product Placement................................................................. 28 Frequency and Recency of Advertisements .............................................................................. 31 Social Learning Theory ............................................................................................................. 33 Overall Impact of Advertising on Children............................................................................... 35 Chapter 4: Method ........................................................................................................................ 37 Participants ................................................................................................................................ 37 Procedure ................................................................................................................................... 39 Q Sort Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 42 Determination of Q Sort Photographs ....................................................................................... 43 Chapter 5: Results ......................................................................................................................... 44 Factor 1: The Ritualists ............................................................................................................. 44 Factor 2: The Foodies ............................................................................................................... 45 Factor 3: The Players ................................................................................................................ 47 Factor 4: The Socialites ............................................................................................................. 48 Factor 5: The Tabloids .............................................................................................................. 49 Chapter 6: Discussion ................................................................................................................... 51