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Quantifying the Subjective: Measuring Perception in Quantitative Research

Quantifying the Subjective: Measuring Perception in Quantitative Research

Perception describes how people interpret experiences, messages, or environments, making it naturally subjective and difficult to measure. Surveys address this challenge by using standardized questions that allow responses to be compared across many participants. According to Ponto’s journal on Understanding and Evaluating Survey Research, surveys are especially useful for describing attitudes and behaviors when researchers use representative samples and valid measurement tools. Also emphasizes that perceptions are often complex and should be measured using multiple questions rather than single items. Together, these perspectives show how surveys convert personal feelings into numerical values that can be analyzed statistically and applied in areas such as education, policy, and marketing.

Key Methods for Measuring Perception

Quantitative perception studies rely on structured survey tools that produce numerical results. One of the most common methods is the Likert scale, which asks respondents to rate their agreement with statements on a fixed scale (such as 1–5 ). Another method is the semantic differential scale, which measures attitudes using opposite word pairs like “safe–unsafe” or “effective–ineffective.”It is also highlighted that the importance of reliability, meaning consistent results across time, is often measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Validity is equally important, ensuring that survey items truly measure the intended perception. Moreover, it strongly supports using multiple items for each perception to reduce errors and capture more detail. These techniques allow researchers to express perceptions as measurable scores, making them useful for analysis and decision-making.

Survey Design and Sampling

Good survey design is essential for accurate results that outline several key steps: clearly define research goals, write neutral and clear questions, pilot test the survey, and select a representative sample using random or stratified sampling methods. Closed-ended questions are preferred because they are easier to analyze quantitatively. Sampling problems, such as low response rates, can affect results and should be addressed through reminders or incentives. Perception surveys should also consider cultural differences, especially in international research, and avoid language that could be misunderstood. Quantitative research, as well, requires sufficiently large samples to ensure reliable results and detailed reporting of participant demographics. Careful design helps avoid bias and improves the credibility of findings.

Data Analysis, Challenges, and Evaluation

After data collection, researchers analyze perception data using statistical techniques. Where factor analysis helps identify underlying dimensions of perception, while regression analysis examines how perceptions influence outcomes such as behavior or decision-making. But it has challenges, such as social desirability bias and varying interpretations of survey questions. These issues can be reduced by ensuring clarity and testing survey items before full distribution. Evaluation standards require researchers to report sample size, response rates, reliability measures, and study limitations clearly. This transparency strengthens the trustworthiness of survey-based perception research.

Survey research, as explained by Ponto,  offers a powerful and reliable way to measure perception in quantitative studies. By using validated scales, thoughtful sampling, and direct analysis, researchers can turn subjective experiences into meaningful data. With continued advances in digital survey tools, quantitative perception research can also remain a key method for producing evidence-based insights across many fields.

Reference

Clifton, K., & Carrasco, J. A. (2018). Workshop Synthesis: Measuring attitudes and perceptions in quantitative surveys. Transportation Research Procedia, 32, 495–500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2018.10.040

DeCarlo, M., Cummings, C., & Agnelli, K. (2021, August 23). 11. Quantitative measurement. Graduate Research Methods in Social Work. https://pressbooks.library.vcu.edu/mswresearch/chapter/11-quantitative-measurement/

Ponto, J. (2015, March 1). Understanding and evaluating survey research. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4601897/

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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UII IPC Student Triumphs at SAHARA 2025 After Back-to-Back Arabic Speech Wins

UII IPC Student Triumphs at SAHARA 2025 After Back-to-Back Arabic Speech Wins

One of the students of the International Program Communication (IPC) UII had achieved consecutive successes in Arabic Speech in the last two months. He is Arif Ardiansyah from the 2025 batch, who most recently won first place in Arabic Speech at the “Semarak Apresiasi Khazanah Arab” competition or SEMARAK 2025.

This national competition was held on 9 December 2025 at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung. Last November, Arif was the First Runner-Up in the Southeast Asian Arabic Public Speech competition, Khitobah Al Arabiyah, held at UIN Malang.

Winning first place this time was a precious moment. Arif said he learned a lot from the previous competition. He evaluated his previous performance and improved it for the SAHARA 2025 competition.

“I evaluated my shortcomings from the previous Arabic speech competition in Malang, where I won 1st Runner-Up at the Southeast Asian level with a score of 188 (only 2 points different from 3rd place). This experience motivated me to practice harder, build confidence when performing, and have a strong mindset to be a champion,” he said.

With little time to spare, he prepared briefly and even wrote his speech text just three days before the competition. Nevertheless, he tried his best. “The main challenge was the short preparation time. The speech text was only finished and collected on 5th December, while the competition was held on 9th December. The remaining three days included travelling from Yogyakarta to Bandung by train,” he added.

For him, being a student is a valuable and challenging journey. Not wanting to waste opportunities, Arif admitted that he always tried his best and evaluated himself to achieve maximum results.

“True victory is not the end of the journey, but the fruit of honest self-evaluation and tireless hard work. Keep learning from every experience, because that is where the key to sustainable success lies,” he said.

This achievement is certainly a source of pride for the Department of Communications Science and an inspiration for students to pursue their dreams and achieve excellence.

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Mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi UII Lolos i-SEA Fellowship Programme di NTU Singapura

influence for Impact in Southeast Asia

Setelah melewati seleksi panjang, Harry Setya Kurnia Nugraha mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi UII angkatan 2022 berhasil lolos dalam influence for Impact in Southeast Asia (i-SEA) Fellowship Pragramme yang diselenggarakan oleh Centre for Information Integrity and the Internet (IN-cube), Nanyang Technological University. Oktober lalu ia dinyatakan lolos dan berhak menjalani program sejak 15 November hingga 13 Desember 2025.

Berdasarkan informasi yang dibagikan oleh i-SEA di laman NTU lebih dari 450 pendaftar dari negara-negara ASEAN. Dari Indonesia terdapat tiga peserta, termasuk Harry Setya yang menjadi satu-satunya perwakilan UII.

“Menurut aku proses seleksinya sangat kompetitif. Program ini menerima lebih dari 450 pendaftar dari Asia Tenggara, dan hanya 3 mahasiswa dari Indonesia dipilih sebagai fellows,” ucap Harry Setya.

i-SEA Fellowship Programme merupakan program hibrida satu bulan yang didesain untuk memberikan bekal pada peserta terpilih dengan pengetahuan dan keterampilan untuk menjadi kreator konten digital yang etis dan berdampak. Beberapa topik yang diperoleh dalam program ini antara lain Online Harms and Misinformation, Media Law and Ethics, AI, in Storytelling, dan Immersive Journalism and Hackton Challenges.

Pengalaman berharga didapatkan oleh Harry, setalah menjalankan online sessions pada 15 November hingga 4 Desember seluruh peserta terpilih berkesempatan mengikuti in-person programme di Singapura pad 7 hingga 13 Desember 2025.

“Selama tiga minggu pertama, kami mengikuti online masterclasses bersama profesor, peneliti media, jurnalis, fact-checkers, pakar teknologi, dan influencer. Minggu terakhir difokuskan pada hackathon, di mana kami merancang solusi terkait information integrity di Asia Tenggara. Tak lupa kami juga berkunjung ke kantor Tiktok Singapore, SPH Media, dan Media corp. Dimana media media ini merupakan media besar di Singapura,” jelasnya.

Urgensi i-SEA Fellowship bagi Mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi

Bagi Harry Setya, i-SEA Fellowship begitu relevan dengan kajian Ilmu Komunikasi yang selama ini ia pelajari. Berbagai materi dalam i-SEA Fellowship fokus pada produksi pesan, penyebaran peesan, hingga bagaimana memperoleh kepercayaan publik di ruang digital.

“Pengalaman ini membuat aku paham bahwa komunikasi tidak cukup hanya mengejar viralitas, tetapi harus mempertimbangkan etika dan dampak jerhadap kepercayaan publik,” ucap Harry Setya.

Selain ilmu berharga, membangun relasi dalam lingkungan global menjadi privilege peserta i-SEA Fellowship. Ia secara aktif berdiskusi dengan mahasiswa dari berbagai negara, tak hanya itu sebagai student content creator ia juga mendapat banyak insight soal ide.

“Aku membangun relasi mungkin dengan aktif berdiskusi, Kolaborasi ide dan konten bareng fellows, dan terbuka terhadap perbedaan perspektif budaya. Menurutku interaksi ku dengan mahasiswa internasional melatih saya untuk beradu gagasan dan berpikir secara global,” tambahnya.

Baginya program ini cukup menantang secara intelektual dan akademik. Ia belajar keluar dari zona nyaman, berdiskusi dengan standar global, dan menerima saran serta kritik terhadap argument yang dilontarkan kepada publik.

Lolos dan menjadi peserta baginya memang tidak mudah, ia berbagi rahasia bahwa keberhasilannya adalah dengan menciptakan esai berkualitas dengan isu yang spesifik.

“Seleksi dilakukan berdasarkan kualitas esai tentang isu misinformasi dan integritas informasi., allighment statement, serta rekam jejak sebagai student content creator,” tandasnya.

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Natural Disasters in Sumatra and the Urgency for a Change 

Natural Disasters in Sumatra and the Urgency for a Change

Indonesia ranks among the world’s most disaster-prone nations because of its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical climate, which trigger frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, and forest fires. Over the past 15 years, these events have caused more than $16.8 billion in economic losses, with the 2004 Aceh tsunami alone killing thousands of people in the country. Climate change, rapid urbanization, and environmental degradation intensify these disasters, turning them from occasional threats into regular crises that endanger lives, destroy livelihoods, and challenge national stability.

The Current Situation in Sumatra and Its Victims

In late 2025, catastrophic floods and landslides devastated Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra due to cyclone-driven heavy rains that overwhelmed rivers and triggered widespread destruction. By December 13, 2025, Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed 1,006 deaths all around Sumatra, as well as thousands of people being displaced and hundreds still missing.

More than 158,000 homes, 1,002 public facilities, stripping victims of shelter and income sources like farms and small businesses, while vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and low-income families face further hardship from the lack of clean water, healthcare, and safe shelters

Causes of the Disaster

Natural factors like heavy rainfall contribute, but human actions amplify the devastation in Sumatra. Deforestation for palm oil plantations and illegal logging has stripped upper watersheds, slashing the land’s capacity to absorb water and heightening flood and landslide risks. West Sumatra alone lost 32,000 hectares of forest in 2024, much of it cleared for oil palm on steep Bukit Barisan slopes, while 1.5 million hectares across Sumatra now support plantations that erode natural barriers against runoff. Peatland destruction worsens the picture, with less than 4% of peatlands remaining as pristine forest and over 20% degraded into fire-prone shrublands, fueling haze that spreads regionally

The Role of Risk Communication

Risk communication plays a pivotal role in mitigating Sumatra’s disasters by delivering clear, timely information on risks, early warnings, evacuation steps, and aid to at-risk communities. Yet gaps persist, especially in rural areas where language distrust of authorities, limited media access, and damaged infrastructure block vital messages from reaching people in time.

Effective strategies must engage local communities through culturally tailored messages across diverse channels, including social media, trusted leaders, and traditional methods, to build trust and enable proactive responses.

Indonesia’s disaster vulnerability emerges from geography, environmental mismanagement, and communication shortcomings, with Sumatra’s 2025 floods exemplifying how deforestation escalates human suffering and weak messaging heightens risks. Tackling these demands needs environmental policies, sustainable practices, and advanced risk communication that empowers communities to prepare, respond, and recover effectively. Through such integrated efforts, Indonesia can manage disaster tolls and foster long-term resilience.

Rereference 

Kryspin-Watson, J. G. S. Z. Y. J. (n.d.). Strengthening the disaster resilience of Indonesian cities : A policy note. World Bank. https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/748581569515561529

McCready, A. (2025, November 29). Indonesia death toll rises to 303 after catastrophic flooding in Sumatra. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/29/indonesia-death-toll-rises-to-248-after-catastrophic-flooding-in-sumatra

Miettinen, J., & Liew, S. C. (2010). Status of peatland degradation and development in Sumatra and Kalimantan. AMBIO, 39(5–6), 394–401. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-010-0051-2

Salma. (2025, December 2). UGM expert: Severe Sumatra flash floods driven by upper watershed forest degradation. Universitas Gadjah Mada. https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/ugm-expert-severe-sumatra-flash-floods-driven-by-upper-watershed-forest-degradation/

Topic: Natural disasters in Indonesia. (2025, December 17). Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/8305/natural-disasters-in-indonesia/#topicOverview

Initiative, H. (2025). Situation Report #8 – Floods and landslides in Aceh Province, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra – Thursday, 13 December 2025. In ReliefWeb. https://reliefweb.int/report/indonesia/situation-report-8-floods-and-landslides-aceh-province-north-sumatra-and-west-sumatra-thursday-13-december-2025

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Why Students Should Join ISCDC  or Similar Program

Why Students Should Join ISCDC 

ISCDC 2025 is a seven-day interdisciplinary program that brought together 70 students and staff from Universitas Islam Indonesia with participants from various faculties at Universiti Utara Malaysia. Held at UUM in Sintok, Kedah, the event created a dynamic space for cultural exchange, creative collaboration, and academic development. The program featured four main competition categories: essay writing, reel challenge, cooking, and poster design, each designed to showcase participants’ creativity and analytical skills. Its purpose was to strengthen institutional partnerships between UUM and UII, enrich interdisciplinary learning through cultural immersion, and develop students’ abilities in research, writing, multimedia production, design, and culinary arts, while highlighting Alor Setar’s cultural richness as a reflection of ASEAN values. Managed by UUM’s SCIMPA, SOIS, and STHEM, the event combined several activities, academic mentoring, student buddies support, and cultural performances.

Within this program, I participated in an interdisciplinary competition as part of a six-member group, and our teamwork played a crucial role in our success. We collaborated across all categories but divided tasks according to our individual strengths, ensuring that each member could contribute effectively. As a Communication student, I focused mainly on the poster design category alongside one of my other teammates, while also supporting others in preparing their essay and reel competition entries. This shared effort not only strengthened our group dynamics but also improved the quality of our work. Our combined effort resulted in a rewarding outcome, as we won third place in both the Reel Challenge and the Essay Competition, which made the overall experience motivating and memorable.

Participating in such competitions that align with a student’s academic background is important because it helps strengthen confidence and deepen one’s skills in a meaningful way. When students choose categories that match their interests—such as communication students working on posters or international relations students focusing on essays—they feel more motivated, engaged, and capable. This alignment allows them to apply what they learn in class to real projects, think more creatively, and improve at a faster pace. Even without winning, the process itself becomes valuable, as it directly supports their academic development and future career path.

Equally important is joining programs like ISCDC, which offer learning experiences that cannot be gained from classroom lessons alone. Traveling to a new environment, observing different cultures, and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds make learning more vivid and meaningful. Students gain a deeper understanding of communication, identity, and cultural dynamics simply by being present and noticing how people behave and live. These programs also help students grow personally by teaching them how to work in teams, manage time, handle pressure, and adapt to unfamiliar situations. Through collaboration and cultural immersion, students return with new perspectives, stronger skills, and greater confidence that benefits both their academic journey and future professional opportunities.

 In the end, for any student who pushes themselves to join such programs, just know that it will be a meaningful step that you take toward becoming more mature, more skilled, and more confident. It is an experience that will stay with you long after the competition or program ends, because it will teach you lessons that continue to shape your academic and personal journey.

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

 

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Cultural Dimensions Through The Perspective of Edward Hall

Edward Hall

Intercultural communication refers to the process through which people from different cultural backgrounds interact, exchange ideas, and create shared meaning. As globalization expands, understanding cultural differences has become essential for reducing misunderstandings and improving cooperation. One of the most influential scholars in this field is Edward T. Hall, whose work in the mid-20th century introduced key concepts about how culture shapes communication, from an anthropological perspective.

Hall’s ideas remain central today and are supported by modern research, which highlights how cultural dimensions continue to influence communication styles in everyday interactions. This essay explores three of Hall’s major dimensions: time context, space context, and high- vs. low-context.

Communication Context

Hall’s explanation of high- and low-context communication describes how cultures differ in the amount of information that must be explicitly spoken versus understood through shared background, tone, or gestures. This concept became clearer when I discussed it with my Moroccan friend, who described Morocco as a high-context culture but also emphasized that people communicate in a “direct, cold, and clear” manner. Her observation shows that high-context communication does not always mean softness or indirectness; instead, meaning often lies in shared norms, emotional tone, and nonverbal signals. She further explained that feedback becomes more subtle when the relationship is close, revealing how interpersonal closeness influences how messages are delivered.

When studying in Indonesia, she experienced this dimension differently during a group project. She preferred clear and direct instructions for efficiency, while her Indonesian classmates relied on softer and more implied forms of communication. This contrast reflects how both Morocco and Indonesia are high-context cultures but express this in different ways: Morocco places emphasis on direct clarity supported by context, while Indonesia emphasizes harmony and indirectness. Through her experience, Hall’s concept becomes practical, showing how cultural expectations shape classroom communication among international students.

Time Orientation

Hall’s distinction between monochronic and polychronic time patterns explains how cultures view scheduling, multitasking, and punctuality. This idea was reflected very clearly in my conversation with my Pakistani friend, who described Pakistan as generally flexible with time. She mentioned that “time isn’t that important, but people won’t be extremely late,” which fits with a polychronic orientation that values relationships, allows multitasking, and treats schedules more flexibly.

She also noted that people often manage several tasks at once without seeing it as a problem. When she compared this with her experience living in Jogja, she felt that daily life in Indonesia is “much slower” than what she is used to. This difference shows how Indonesia also operates with a relaxed time rhythm. Her description helps demonstrate how Hall’s time dimension operates in real life: international students must adjust not only to academic deadlines but also to the general pace of life and people’s expectations of punctuality. The contrast between Pakistan’s polychronic flow and Indonesia’s slower relationship-centered rhythm highlights how time becomes a cultural message that shapes daily behavior.

Space and Contact

Hall’s dimension of space and contact examines how cultures use physical distance, touch, and expressiveness when communicating, and this was strongly reflected in the experiences shared by my Yemeni friend. She explained that in Yemen, people tend to be a high-contact culture, where expressive gestures, emotional tone, and closer physical distance are common, especially with family and friends. She also mentioned that people adjust their expressiveness based on familiarity, which shows how personal relationships influence spatial behavior.

Her experience in Indonesia highlighted a different pattern: she noticed that Indonesians generally prefer low-contact communication, using gentle tone, soft gestures, and polite physical distance. She found herself needing to reduce her expressiveness to match the comfort level of her Indonesian classmates. This shift demonstrates how space and contact operate differently across cultures and how international students naturally adjust their behavior to avoid misunderstandings. Through her comparison, Hall’s concept becomes visible in daily life, revealing the contrast between Yemen’s expressive interpersonal style and Indonesia’s reserved, low-contact approach.

Edward Hall’s intercultural dimension provides a useful framework for understanding how culture shapes communication. Recognizing these dimensions helps individuals navigate multicultural environments with greater awareness, reducing misunderstanding and encouraging more effective communication. Understanding these patterns also highlights a key conclusion: communication is never only about words. It is shaped by time, space, tone, and cultural expectations in which all is influenced by how messages are sent, received, and interpreted across cultures.

Reference:

Layes, G. (2010). 1.4 Cultural dimensions. In Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht eBooks (pp. 53–64). https://doi.org/10.13109/9783666403279.53

Kittler, M. G., Rygl, D., & Mackinnon, A. (2011). Special Review Article: Beyond culture or beyond control? Reviewing the use of Hall’s high-/low-context concept. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 11(1), 63–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470595811398797

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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IPC Students Achieved 3rd Winner Beat the Prompt Competition the 2nd ASEAN School of Business Network 2025

IPC Students Achieved 3rd Winner Beat the Prompt Competition the 2nd ASEAN School of Business Network 2025

Muhammad Atha Damario, a student of the International Program Communication (IPC) at UII batch 2022, won third place in the international competition ‘Beat the Prompt Competition the 2nd ASEAN School of Business Network 2025’ last August.

The competition, held from August 2 to 8, 2025, was an international event attended by contestants from the ASEAN region, including Malaysia and the Philippines. This competition was organised by the ASEAN School of Business Network (ASBN). With the theme ‘The Youth Potential to Create a Better Society’, Muhammad Atha Damario and his team were excited because the theme was relevant to this age.

The challenge of this competition was to create a video without using AI text for video tools, showcasing human storytelling in contrast to AI-generated content.

“Since it was an international competition, my partner and I felt that our knowledge of the theme, which was about AI, really supported us in participating in the competition,” said Atha.

This experience was not his first time; he is convinced that creating videos is his passion. “I have participated in and won many video competitions, so you could say that this is one of my passions,” he added.

He never worries about the result, just does his best because he is used to practising his editing skills. He has many video clips in his gallery and is really into this activity; recording videos may be a daily activity for him.

“I always try to prioritise my studies, no matter what activities I am involved in. After finishing my studies, I always have some free time, which I use to practise my editing skills, either through YouTube videos or by using my own footage to try out new editing techniques,” he said.

“I received a message that no matter how difficult the activity is, even if you lack confidence in the competition timeline and feel intimidated by the competition, just do it, you won’t know the outcome until you try,” he concluded.

For the information, this competition was eligible for international undergraduate students, with teams of up to five members allowed.

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 The Relationship of Representation and Archetypes

Two important elements that quietly guide how we see reality are representations and archetypes

Our understanding of the world does not form on its own. It is shaped by many small influences around us, such as the stories we hear, the people we meet, and the ideas we grow up with. Two important elements that quietly guide how we see reality are representations and archetypes.

Representations show us how something is seen or understood, while archetypes give us deeper patterns that humans naturally recognize. Together, they help build the way we make sense of life, ourselves, and others around us.

Representations & Archetypes 

Representations are simply the ways we describe or picture something in our minds. They are formed through repeated ideas, shared beliefs, and everyday experiences. When something is represented in a certain way again and again, we begin to accept it as the usual or expected view. For example,  we often hear that a nerdy person is quiet, shy, or socially isolated, and this becomes the mental image we carry. They make complex things easier to understand, but they can also limit how we see people or situations by giving only one common picture.

On the other hand, archetypes are deeper and more universal. They are patterns of behavior or character types that appear across all cultures, such as the hero, the caregiver, or the wise elder. These patterns exist because they connect to basic human emotions and experiences. For example, most people understand the idea of a “heroic figure” even without being taught; it’s a natural template we recognize. They help us quickly understand roles and personalities because they speak to something shared and familiar in human nature.

Their Relationship and the Creation of Stereotypes

Representations often borrow from archetypes because archetypes provide simple, recognizable patterns. When this happens repeatedly, the two can blend in a way that creates stereotypes. A stereotype appears when an archetype becomes too fixed and is applied to real people without room for difference.

For example, if the “caregiver” archetype is constantly used to represent women, it can turn into a stereotype that all women must be gentle or nurturing. When representations keep using the same archetypal ideas, they can make these limited views feel normal, even if they are not true for everyone.

Recognizing how representations and archetypes work together helps us understand why certain ideas seem natural or normal. It also reminds us that these ideas are not fixed, and they are shaped by repeated patterns and can change. By becoming more aware and questioning the images and patterns we accept, we can avoid falling into stereotypes. This awareness encourages us to see people more fully, appreciate differences, and allow identities to be understood with more openness and depth.

Reference:

Bradshaw, S., & Storm, L. (2012). Archetypes, symbols and the apprehension of meaning. International Journal of Jungian Studies, 5(2), 154–176. https://doi.org/10.1080/19409052.2012.685662

Vedor, J. E. (2023). Revisiting Carl Jung’s archetype theory a psychobiological approach. Biosystems, 234, 105059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105059

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Through Different Eyes: How Perspective Shapes Film Interpretation

Through Different Eyes: How Perspective Shapes Film Interpretation

No two people watch a film in the same way. Each viewer brings their own background, emotions, and beliefs into the experience. These factors act like filters that shape how we understand the story, its characters, and its meaning. Because of this, a film never has just one single interpretation. Instead, it becomes a space where different perspectives meet and create new understandings. This idea reflects the interpretation theory, which suggests that meaning depends not only on the creator but also on the audience who experiences the work.

For most viewers, personal experiences and age play an important role in how they interpret a film. A teenager might relate to a character’s struggle for independence, while an older person might focus on themes of memory or regret. Family films, for example, often work on multiple levels where children enjoy the humor and adventure, while adults notice the emotional depth or social message behind the story. These differences happen naturally because every viewer connects the story to their own life and emotions.

Film and Communication Students

Students who study film or communication approach movies with a more analytical perspective. They are trained to look at how films are made, how the camera moves, how lighting sets the mood, and how editing builds rhythm. They also understand concepts like mise-en-scène, sound design, and symbolism. When they watch a film, they can identify the director’s creative choices and interpret how these choices express ideas or emotions. Their understanding goes beyond the story itself; they see the film as a structured message built through visual and sound techniques.

Critics

Professional film critics view movies with both personal insight and a broad knowledge of cinema history and culture. They compare films with others, discuss how they contribute to society or the art form, and evaluate the quality of storytelling and production. While critics aim to be objective, their interpretations still reflect their own perspectives. Their reviews often influence how the public views a movie, showing how one person’s interpretation can shape others’ understanding.

Films are living works of art that change with every viewer. Whether it’s a casual audience member, a film student, or a critic, each person brings a different way of seeing. These perspectives remind us that a film’s meaning is not fixed, and it grows and transforms through the eyes and minds of those who watch it.

References

(n.d.). Reception theory – Wikipedia. Retrieved November 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reception_theory

Bordwell, D. (1989). Making meaning: inference and rhetoric in the interpretation of cinema. Harvard University Press.

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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6th Annual Workshop on Globalisation 2025: How Does Local Culture Fit into the Global Context in the Digital Age?

6th Annual Workshop on Globalisation 2025: How Does Local Culture Fit into the Global Context in the Digital Age?

Local culture is often considered conservative and outdated, but the digital age brings a different perspective. Although many believe that technology poses a threat to traditions and cultural heritage, in the right hands, the digital age presents a huge opportunity for the development of local culture.

This topic was discussed in the 6th Annual Workshop on Globalisation (AWG) programme, which focused on the topic From Local Culture to Global Connection: Multimedia and Communication in a Digital World. It was held on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, in the Auditorium Room on the 3rd floor of the Soekiman Wirasandjadja Building, UII.

In general, AWG is an annual programme held by the International Program, Department of Communications Science, UII. This time, there were three speakers who shared their insights with IPC 2022-2025 students and several students from the Faculty of Computing and Multimedia, University Poly-Tech Malaysia. Two of them were academics from Malaysia, and one was an alumnus of Communication Studies, UII, who specialises in a related field.

The event was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences, UII, Nizamuddin Sadiq, S.Pd., M.Hum., Ph.D. He welcomed the guests from UPTM and conveyed a message of mutual collaboration for a bright future. “The AWG Annual Event is a platform where ideas, creativity, and collaboration from various countries come together. The relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia may sometimes be warm and at other times challenging, but as neighbours, we must always be kind, supportive, and cooperative. In Islam, it is said that a close neighbour is better than a distant relative, a principle we should embody to build a brighter future for our students,” he said.

The Dean of UPTM also expressed his hope that his visit to UII would provide him with new insights and perspectives from two interrelated cultures. UPTM even openly invited UII students and lecturers to collaborate. Several programmes offered include visiting lecturers, student exchanges, and several other programmes.

“Today, collaboration is more important than ever as it serves as a valuable way to strengthen partnerships. We have many ideas for future collaborations,” said Dr. Saifuddin Bin Haji Mohtaram.

“For next year, we would like to invite UII to join mobility programmes, conferences, and visiting lectures. Through these initiatives, we can continue to learn and share more kinds of knowledge as we expand together in this fast-changing environment,” he added.

From Local Culture to Global Connection: Multimedia and Communication in a Digital World

Moderated by UII Communication Science lecturer Ibnu Darmawan, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., the discussion explored how digital platforms open up enormous opportunities for cultural change. Not only do they emphasise innovation, but also challenges in management.

Three speakers from various fields of expertise presented diverse perspectives. Dr. Nadiah binti Yusof from the Faculty of Computing and Multimedia, UPTM, presented a theme entitled ‘Pattern Recognition in Songket Motifs to Explore Local Wisdom’. Linking local culture, especially songket motifs, to global connections in the digital world, she introduced in depth the subject of information retrieval in the context of information science.

‘The development of centralised databases and information retrieval systems has transformed user access to information. As technology advances, integrating diverse media forms such as audio, video, and graphics is crucial, enhancing user experience and enabling more dynamic exploration of information,’ she said.

‘Malaysia’s cultural heritage includes two types: tangible heritage, which consists of physical items such as graves and tombstones, and intangible heritage, which involves knowledge and skills expressed through oral traditions, customs, language, and textile arts. This study focuses on the intangible cultural heritage of textile arts, particularly songket motifs,’ he added.

Another interesting topic was Character Archetype, presented by Hafizz Al-Amirul bin Mohd Zanial from UPTM. With the case study of Upin & Ipin animation, the students seemed very enthusiastic and connected.

In general, Character Archetype is based on personal experiences and the shared culture of Indonesia and Malaysia. ‘The figures of Upin and Ipin, which reflect the collective behaviour and values of the people in the region, show how personal storytelling can strengthen the appeal of characters,’ he said.

In his explanation, Carl Jung introduced the concept of archetypes in 1919. According to Jung, archetypes are innate, universal patterns or models of thought and behaviour present in the collective unconscious.

The success of the Upin & Ipin animation is supported not only by technology but also by a deep understanding of specific characters and cultures. ‘The characters reflect values, identity, and cohesion that resonate deeply across Malaysian and regional audiences,’ he added.

The final material was presented by Bagoes Kresnawan, an alumnus of Communication Studies at UII who now works as a film director and content creator who explores local culture through cuisine. He also builds communities and brings authenticity to digital content.

‘My content isn’t the usual food review. I add a twist, a story, music, and thoughtful editing. Food Patrol is a documentary series about food, history, and people, short, calming, and impactful. I’m not chasing views or trends; I’m documenting stories that matter,’ said Bagoes.

He also added that the purpose of creating content is not just about viewer numbers. There is an idealism that is beautifully constructed. “I don’t chase views, I document stories. Food Patrol isn’t just about food, it’s about culture, history, and people,” he concluded.