ABSTRACT

GRETCHEN KERRY NESBIT. Visual Communication in Print

(Under the direction of CAROL REUSS.)

In journalism, the two basic symbol systems are verbal systems and visual systems. Using qualitative research methods, the author studied basic principles of visual communication and concluded that— 

(1) pictures can be informative,

(2) they can complement words in print,

(3) ambiguity in pictures can be reduced through application of principles of visual communication,

(4) study of such principles of visual communication can be useful to journalists and

(5) poor composition and design can have a harmful effect on communications.  

Relevant material drawn from various related disciplines is summarized and presented by the author in both verbal and visual form.