Communication Theories: Pearson New International Edition: Origins, Methods and Uses in the Mass Media

Description

This comprehensive and readable text applies communication theories to the mass media with an abundance of current examples from journalism, broadcasting, advertising and public relations to make concepts clear to students. The new edition of Communication Theories addresses the ongoing changes in the mass communication field and the new developments in mass communication theory that are occurring as we move into the new millennium. A new chapter on cyber communication (Chapter 17) offers unique coverage of this critical new medium and an extensively rewritten chapter on media chains and conglomerates (Chapter 16) addresses key developments in that arena. The book is firmly based in the scientific approach—with its emphasis on observation, evidence, logic, and hypothesis testing—but now also features a discussion of critical theory and cultural studies in Chapter 1 of the new edition. Finally, the Fifth Edition features a new boxed reading program, which offers even more real-world illustrations of key concepts. Cover Contents Preface PART I The Changing Media Landscape 1 Introduction to Mass Communication Theory The Concept of Mass Communication The New Media Environment The Role of Theory The Goals of Mass Communication Theory The Effects of Mass Communication Changes in Mass Communication Theory Critical Theory and Cultural Studies Theoretical Questions Raised by Changes in the Media Environment Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References PART II Scientific Method and Models of MassCommunication 2 Scientific Method Imagination in Science The Cumulative Nature of Science Scientific Generalizations about Reality Scientific Hypotheses Safeguards against Bias and Fraud Unintended Findings and New Directions Ethics and Fraud in Science The Process of Scientific Inquiry Acquiring Empirical Data Reasoning about the Data Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 3 Models in Mass Communication Research Functions of a Model Evaluation of a Model Some Early Communication Models Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References PART III Perception and Language Issuesin the Mass Media 4 The Role of Perception in Communication Influences on Perception Perception and Mass Communication Other Selective Processes Schema Theory Subliminal Perception Perception of Pictures Complexity of Messages Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 5 Problems in Encoding Characteristics of Language Misuses of Language Three Kinds of Statements Slanting Studies of Objectivity Implications for Encoding Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 6 Analysis of Propaganda: First Theoriesof Decoding and Effects What Is Propaganda? Wartime Propaganda Propaganda Education The Propaganda Devices Effectiveness of Propaganda Devices The Bullet Theory Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References PART IV The Social-Psychological Approach 7 Cognitive Consistency and Mass Communication Heider's Balance Theory Newcomb's Symmetry Theory Osgood's Congruity Theory The Role of Media Gatekeepers Festinger's Theory of Cognitive Dissonance Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 8 Theories of Persuasion The Concept of Attitude History of Attitude-Change Research Specific Techniques of Attitude Change Inoculation Theory The Functions of Attitudes Attitudes and Behavior Classical Conditioning of Attitudes Process Models of Persuasion Applications of Persuasion Theory in the Mass Media Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 9 Groups and Communication Sherif's Research on Group Norms Asch's Research on Group Pressure How Norms Are Developed Lewin's Food Habits Studies Groups and Political Attitudes The Social Identification Model Groups as Instruments of Change Groups and Mass Communication Audience Segmentation Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 10 Mass Media and Interpersonal Communication The Mass Media and Voting Behavior The Role of the Community in Decision Making Criticisms of the Two-Step Flow Diffusion of Innovations Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References PART V Mass Media Effects and Uses 11 Agenda Setting The Chapel Hill Study Precursors of the Hypothesis A Change in Thinking The Media Agenda and Reality The Charlotte Study Experimental· Evidence Priming The Obtrusiveness of Issues Abstract and Concrete Issues Time Needed for Agenda Setting The Role of Exposure Agenda Building The Need for Orientation Who Sets the Media Agenda? Presidential Agendas How Does Agenda Setting Work? The Second Level of Agenda Setting Applications of Agenda Setting Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 12 The Knowledge-Gap Hypothesis The Role of the Mass Media Operational Forms of the Hypothesis Possible Reasons for a Knowledge Gap The Knowledge Gap in Public Affairs Sesame Street Refinement of the Hypothesis The Generality of the Hypothesis The Knowledge Gap and the New Technology New Developments in Knowledge-Gap Research Criticism of the Hypothesis Overcoming Knowledge Gaps Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 13 Effects of Mass Communication General Trends in Effects Theory Specific Theories of Media Effects A Particular Area of Theory-Effects of Television Violence Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 14 Uses of the Mass Media Beginnings of the Uses and Gratifications Approach Uses and Gratifications in an Election Campaign Classifying Individual Needs and Media Uses Criticisms of the Uses and Gratifications Theory Empirical Tests of the Uses and Gratifications Theory New Technology and the Active Audience Recent Developments in Uses and Gratifications Research Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References PART VI Media Channels 15 Mass Media in Modern Society Four Theories of the Press The News Media as Agents of Power Functions of the Media Values and Ideology in Support of the Society Our Mental Picture of the Wodd Popular Taste and Social Action Social Conformism Conditions of Media Effectiveness Enduring Values in the News Making News: The Social Construction of Reality Controlling the News Staff and Maintaining the Status Quo Possibilities for Policy Deviation Sources Rating Reporters Mass Communication and Sociocultural Integration Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 16 Media Chains and Conglomerates Television Newspapers Media Synergy Effects of Ownership on Media Content Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References 17 Theories of Cyber Communication Key Concepts in Digital Communication Application of Existing Theories to Cyber Communication New Theory and Research Aimed at Cyber Communication Conclusions Key Terms Discussion References PART VI IBringing It All Together 18 The Overall Picture The Model and Communication Research Mass Media Research Conclusions Reference Index