Exam 15: Media Effects and Cultural Approaches to Research

Between 1930 and 1970, "Who says what to whom with what effect?" became the key question in American communications research.

Which of the following is not one of the four steps identified as part of the social learning theory process?

Which of the following is characteristic of a cultural studies approach to mass media research?

The cultivation effect theory suggests that heavy viewing of television leads individuals to perceive the world in ways that are more consistent with television's portrayals of the world.

Which kind of research involves systematically coding and measuring media content?

Which of the following is a focus of cultural studies approaches to media studies?

Between 1930 and 1970, "Who says what to whom with what ________________________?" became the key question "defining the scope and problems of American communications research."

The 1938 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds made millions of listeners believe that Martians were invading Earth; however, most listeners didn't believe that the story was real. This outcome ultimately helped lay the groundwork for which research model?

________________________ is a media research argument that says that when the mass media pay attention to particular events or issues, they determine the major topics of discussion for individuals and society.

What are pseudo-polls? Why are they used?

One of the main problems in studying the effects of media is that whatever real effects the media cause, they also often serve as a scapegoat for larger social problems.

If someone has never been the victim of a violent crime and lives in an area that has very low rates of violent crime, yet still feels he or she is at a high level or risk for such crimes after watching a lot of Law & Order, this might be an example of ______.

One key difference between content analysis and textual analysis is the greater emphasis on counting, measurement, and reliability in content analysis.

Social psychology studies measure public attitudes.

The hypodermic-needle model is sometimes also called the magic _______________________ theory.

Jürgen Habermas's theory of the public sphere was about the need for global cooperation with public projects.

Which kind of research method employs a control group for comparison?

In what way did Habermas think mass media could be an enemy of democracy?

While new communication technologies like the Internet might offer new opportunities for people to participate in Habermas's public sphere, explain how his concerns about how the mass media might harm democracy might be influenced by the Internet.

What problems do academic studies, including cultural research, face? How have academics tried to solve these problems?