REPORT : Part 2

TOPIC : WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Group member:

Daniel Le (Duy Le): 22052279

Rachel Nguyen (Dan Nguyen): 22052274

TABLE OF CONTENT

1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Critical evaluation 2
2.1 Layout and Design of the Document 2
2.2 Appropriateness of Content 3
2.3 Choice language 4
2.4. Make recommendation: 4
3.0. Conclusion 5
4.0 Recommendation 5
5.0 References 6
6.0 Appendices 8

1.0 Introduction

Building on the foundational understanding from Part 1, this section seeks to critically evaluate
the current sexual harassment awareness documentation, its elements, and the effectiveness of its
communication strategies. The purpose and scope of Part 2 are to offer a deeper analysis of the
design, content, and language choices used in the document and to determine the implications of
these findings for future communications on this topic.This report will analyze the effectiveness
of its design, content, language choice, and will provide recommendations for improvement.

2.0 Critical evaluation

​ 2.1 Layout and Design of the Document

● Effectiveness: The document follows a straightforward layout with clear
headings. It breaks down the information into categories, such as the definition,

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 types of harassment, and examples. This makes it relatively easy for readers to
follow along and understand the key points.The document has a clear title, "What
is Sexual Harassment," which immediately informs readers of its primary focus.
The use of bullet points for listing examples and behaviors makes the content
easily scannable, and categorization (e.g., "VERBAL", "NON-VERBAL",
"PHYSICAL") provides structure.
● Shortcomings: However, the use of black and white might be too simplistic for
such a sensitive topic.The document could benefit from visual aids, such as
illustrations or infographics, to break the text's monotony and further clarify the
content. Additionally, clear section headers and spacing would improve
readability.

More specific about these element:

● Choice and Use of Color: The document uses a minimalistic color palette which
maintains professionalism. However, a thoughtful use of color could highlight key
information and make the document more engaging. The use of consistent and
contrasting colors aids in distinguishing different sections and highlighting key
points.
● Fonts : A single font type seems to be used. It is legible but a combination of serif
and sans-serif fonts could have been used to differentiate headings from the main
content, enhancing readability.
● Size: The size of the text is uniform throughout the document. While this ensures
consistency, varying sizes for headings versus body text would have improved the
visual hierarchy and made it easier to skim through.
● Graphics: The document does not include any graphics, charts, or visual aids.
Including relevant images or icons could make the content more engaging and
help illustrate certain points.
● Page Placement: The information appears to be centered with adequate margins,
which is good for readability. However, some elements like the "[PRIVATE]" tags
disrupt the flow and might be better placed elsewhere or formatted differently. In
addition, the content is well-spaced. Additionally, the inclusion of page numbers
(e.g., "- { PAGE } -") feels out of place. Headers and subheaders could be more
distinct.

2.2 Appropriateness of Content

● Effectiveness: The content delves into both the definition of sexual harassment
and specific behaviors that qualify. By categorizing these behaviors, the document
provides comprehensive coverage of the topic. The reference to the EEOC adds
authenticity and credibility.

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 ● Shortcomings: The sheer depth of information might overwhelm some readers. It
might be useful to provide a concise version for those seeking a quick
understanding. The document might benefit from including consequences of
sexual harassment, rights of victims, and possible steps to take when faced with
such situations.

More specific about these element:

● ​Age: The content seems to be targeted towards adults, considering the nature of
the topic. The language used is straightforward, making it suitable for a broad age
range within the adult category.
● Gender: The information is presented in a neutral manner without leaning
towards any specific gender. Sexual harassment can affect anyone regardless of
gender, and the document seems to respect that by not showing bias.
● Level of Education: The language and presentation are accessible for a wide
range of educational backgrounds. It does not use overly complex terminology,
ensuring it can be understood by those with both higher and lower educational
levels.
● Cultural Background: The content focuses on the topic of sexual harassment
without bringing in cultural specifics. While this makes it universally applicable,
it's essential to remember that perceptions of certain behaviors can vary across
cultures. Tailoring content for specific cultural backgrounds might be more
effective in some cases.
● Attitude to Subject: Readers might approach the topic with a range of emotions,
from those who have experienced harassment to those learning about it for the
first time. The document provides a clear and direct explanation, which is crucial
for such a sensitive topic.
● Attitude to the Writer or Organization: The source mentioned is the "EEOC"
and "BNA Communications, Inc.", which might be perceived as authoritative.
Trust in the writer or organization will likely enhance the document's credibility
for most readers.
● Use of Media: The document is text-heavy. In today's digital age, readers often
expect multimedia elements. Incorporating infographics, videos, or interactive
segments, especially for online versions, could increase engagement and
understanding.

2.3 Choice language

● Effectiveness: The language used is formal and straightforward, making it

accessible for a wide audience. The choice of words like "unwelcome"

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 emphasizes the involuntary nature of the experiences and clearly defines
boundaries.
● Shortcomings: While the document is meant to be informative, using more
empathetic or supportive language might make victims of harassment feel more
understood and supported. A brief section addressing the emotional and
psychological impact of harassment could add depth.

More specific about these element:

● Use of Plain English: The definitions and examples are presented in a

straightforward manner, making it easy to understand for a broad range of readers.
● Style: The writing style is formal and direct, which is suitable for such a serious
topic. The information is presented without unnecessary embellishments, ensuring
clarity and emphasis on the importance of the topic.
● Rhetorical Structure: The content starts with a clear definition of sexual
harassment as per the EEOC guidelines. It then dives deeper by presenting
various behaviors categorized as unwelcome, ending with examples of verbal,
non-verbal, and physical forms of harassment. This logical progression ensures
the reader gains a comprehensive understanding.
● Level of Language: The language used is appropriate for adult readers from
various educational backgrounds. It's neither overly complicated nor too basic,
striking the right balance to cater to a diverse audience.
● Use of Examples: The content provides a comprehensive list of examples for
various forms of harassment. This is crucial for clarity, as it paints a clear picture
of what behaviors can be deemed as inappropriate.
● Addressing the Target Audience: Given the gravity of the topic, the language is
neutral and focuses on the actions rather than targeting a specific gender. This
ensures that it resonates with a universal audience, emphasizing that the
responsibility to understand and address sexual harassment is a collective one.

2.4. Make recommendation:

Simple black and white design may explain the document's lightness. According to Robin
Williams (2014) in The Non-Designer's Design Book, color may draw attention and increase
engagement. Using serif and sans-serif fonts to distinguish headings and essential information
improves readability. In 2021, the Nielsen Norman Group found that font size diversification
improves visual hierarchy, especially for skimmers. Graphics and icons make educational
materials more engaging and encourage student participation (Role of Illustrations, 2017).

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The document is thorough, but a brief summary would be helpful for easy reference. Ross (2012)
advises adding a section on sexual harassment, victim rights, and actionable processes to The
Handbook of Gender, Sex, and Media. The topic is universal, but cultural differences in
harassment perceptions must be acknowledged. It may be better to use a culturally adapted
variant that matches the intended audience ("Cross-cultural Differences", 2008).

Empathetic communication can comfort harassed people and validate their experiences
(Importance of Empathy, 2015). In 2013, Cambridge University Press found that infographics
and films can improve reader engagement and comprehension.

3.0. Conclusion

In conclusion, while the document presents a structured overview of sexual harassment, its
effectiveness can be enhanced by adopting a more reader-centric approach. By leveraging design
principles, acknowledging cultural nuances, and emphasizing empathetic communication, the
document can resonate more deeply with its audience and drive home the significance of
understanding and addressing sexual harassment.

4.0 Recommendation

● Design and Layout: The headers and subheadings might be more hierarchical. This will
improve navigation and focus the reader on important details. Use bullet points and
numbered lists to simplify language. The text must also include relevant and culturally
appropriate visuals. Nielsen (2006) noted in "How Users Read on the Web" that
contextual information would benefit readers as well as improve the page's appearance.
● Clarification of Language: Content should mix simplicity and clarity. Specialized
terminology should be clearly explained if necessary. When defining concepts, especially
"unwelcome behavior," be sure to include examples to improve comprehension and
precision. According to Cutts (2020) in the "Oxford Guide to Plain English", this method
avoids ambiguity.
● Interactive Elements: Modern readers want interactive components for a
multi-dimensional learning experience. QR codes or URLs to relevant films can help
readers grasp complex tasks faster. Multimedia learning can reduce cognitive burden and
improve understanding, according to Mayer and Moreno (2003).
● Examples & Case Studies: Real-life situations, with amended names and facts, may help
contextualize the material. Readers can visualize and engage with case studies' concrete
framework. Herrington and Oliver (2000) found that genuine surroundings improve
instructional content efficacy.

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 ● Support and Confidentiality: A component on sexual harassment services and
assistance would be essential. We want readers to feel supported and informed by
highlighting helplines, counseling services, and rights. The Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission (EEOC) "Preventing Sexual Harassment" rules are helpful
here.
● Feedback Mechanism: Lastly, The feedback mechanism collects and analyzes data to
offer constructive criticism and improvement suggestions. Finally, feedback gathering
must be established. Use a hyperlink or submission form to allow readers to voice their
concerns, questions, or feedback. In "TED Talks," Anderson (2016) recommends the
iterative method to keep content relevant and reader-friendly.

5.0 References

Nielsen, J. (1994). World leaders in research-based user experience. Retrieved June, 26,
2019.https://www.nngroup.com/articles/how-users-read-on-the-web/

Nielsen, J., & Loranger, H. (2006). Prioritizing web usability. Pearson

Education.https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=vi&lr=&id=YQsje6Ecl4UC&oi=fnd&p
g=PT26&dq=Nielsen+(2006)+noted+in+%22How+Users+Read+on+the+Web&ots=nYU
HGLVpNW&sig=ciuuAWIDnBDKuJYSDEKNtVESoYo&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=
Nielsen%20(2006)%20noted%20in%20%22How%20Users%20Read%20on%20the%20
Web&f=false

Herrington, J., & Oliver, R. (2000). An instructional design framework for authentic
learning environments. Educational technology research and development, 48(3),
23-48.https://www.jstor.org/stable/30220266

Sexual harassment. US EEOC. (n.d.).

https://www.eeoc.gov/preventing-sexual-harassment

Lambertson, J. A. (2016). TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public

Speaking.https://www.ted.com/read/ted-talks-the-official-ted-guide-to-public-speaking

Mayer, R. E., & Moreno, R. (2003). Nine ways to reduce cognitive load in multimedia
learning. Educational psychologist, 38(1),
43-52.https://www.uky.edu/~gmswan3/544/9_ways_to_reduce_CL.pdf

Cutts, M. (2020). Oxford guide to plain English. Oxford University Press,

USA.https://global.oup.com/academic/product/oxford-guide-to-plain-english-978019884
4617?cc=au&lang=en&

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The non-designer’s design book, Fourth edition | worldcat.org. (n.d.-d).
https://www.worldcat.org/title/The-Non-Designer%27s-Design-Book-Fourth-Edition/oclc
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Crawford, M. (2014). The handbook of gender, sex, and media Karen Ross
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Holmes, J. (1991). Language and gender. Language teaching, 24(4),

207-220.https://www.cambridge.org/highereducation/books/language-and-gender/D02B3
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Djamasbi, S., Siegel, M., & Tullis, T. (2011). Visual hierarchy and viewing behavior: An
eye tracking study. In Human-Computer Interaction. Design and Development
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July 9-14, 2011, Proceedings, Part I 14 (pp. 331-340). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
https://www.nngroup.com/articles/visual-hierarchy-ux-definition/

Angerbauer, K., Rodrigues, N., Cutura, R., Öney, S., Pathmanathan, N., Morariu, C., ... &
Sedlmair, M. (2022, April). Accessibility for color vision deficiencies: Challenges and
findings of a large scale study on paper figures. In Proceedings of the 2022 CHI
Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp.
1-23).https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/tables-figures/colors

Ma, W., & Zhang, S. (2020). Research Methods in Linguistics: edited by Robert J.
Podesva and Devyani Sharma (eds), New York: Cambridge University Press, 2013, xvii+
525 pp. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07268602.2019.1574777

Wagaman, M. A., Geiger, J. M., Shockley, C., & Segal, E. A. (2015). The role of
empathy in burnout, compassion satisfaction, and secondary traumatic stress among
social workers. Social work, 60(3),
201-209.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8501326

Psaltou-Joycey, A. (2008). Cross-cultural differences in the use of learning strategies by

students of Greek as a second language. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural
development, 29(4),
310-324.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-008-9887-9

Ross, K., & Wiley, J. (Eds.). (2012). The handbook of gender, sex, and media. Malden,
MA: Wiley-Blackwell.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/9781118114254

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 Schallert, D. L. (2017). The role of illustrations in reading comprehension. Theoretical
issues in reading comprehension,
503-524.https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315107493-27/role-ill
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Quarterly, 10(1),
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6.0 Appendices
whatissh sexual harassment.pdf

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