"For students wishing to understand the key concepts, ideas, and concerns behind the study of the impact of media on society, this is essential foundational reading." — Lawrence Wenner, Loyola Marymount University
"This text does a masterful job of surveying the varied elements and histories of media effects research." - Jennifer Fogel, State University of New York, Oswego
“The book is superb. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” — James Robinson, University of Dayton
“A proven, state-of-the-art overview of current thinking in media effects. It is an accessible but detailed book appropriate for undergraduates.” —Bruce Drushel, Miami University
496 pages, $73.95 list
1-4786-4885-6
978-1-4786-4885-7
© 2023
paperback
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Fundamentals of Media Effects
Third Edition
Media permeate our lives and are so omnipresent that we take them for granted and overlook their impact. Mobile communication devices, the internet, and social networking sites have transformed the way we live. The media inform us about everything from a polarized electorate to a global pandemic. The potential of media to influence beliefs and behavior is a longstanding topic in media research. This thoroughly revised edition offers an up-to-date look at media effects literature.
Fundamentals of Media Effects, 3/e begins with a historical overview of media effects and then covers foundational theories. Research spotlights throughout the text help readers understand how theories translate into specific studies. Understanding the history and theory behind media effects scholarship aids readers in navigating the media-saturated environment. The final section looks at effects in ten key areas: media violence, media sexual content, frightening media content, political communication, health, stereotyping, educational television, video games, the internet, and mobile communication.
For more than two decades, the primary goal of Fundamentals of Media Effects has been to present the vitally important topic of media effects in an expansive yet comprehensible format. Compelling discussions include myriad examples from recent scholarship to engage reader interest. Through exploration of mass communication theories and major areas of research, readers develop media literacy skills and become better media consumers and producers.
Fundamentals of Media Effects, 3/e begins with a historical overview of media effects and then covers foundational theories. Research spotlights throughout the text help readers understand how theories translate into specific studies. Understanding the history and theory behind media effects scholarship aids readers in navigating the media-saturated environment. The final section looks at effects in ten key areas: media violence, media sexual content, frightening media content, political communication, health, stereotyping, educational television, video games, the internet, and mobile communication.
For more than two decades, the primary goal of Fundamentals of Media Effects has been to present the vitally important topic of media effects in an expansive yet comprehensible format. Compelling discussions include myriad examples from recent scholarship to engage reader interest. Through exploration of mass communication theories and major areas of research, readers develop media literacy skills and become better media consumers and producers.
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Section One: OVERVIEW AND HISTORY
1. Understanding Media Effects
Processes of Communication / Communication Models / Measuring Media Effects / Other Research Methodologies of Media Effects / Overview of Media Effects Theories / Importance of Studying Media Effects
2. Historical Evidence of Media Effects
Historical Concern for Media Effects / Historical Evidence for Changes in Behavior and Opinion Due to Mass Media
3. History of the Scientific Study of Media Effects
The Early Days of Media Effects Research / The Notion of Powerful Effects / The Notion of Limited Media Effects / Effects of Varying Levels / Transactional of Negotiated Effects / Some Pioneers in Media Effects Research / Future of Effects Research
Section Two: THEORY AND CONCEPTS
4. Social Cognitive Theory
Distinctly Human Traits / Observational Learning and Modeling / Effects of Modeling / Learning from Media Content and Modeling / Social Prompting or Persuasion / Applying Social Cognitive Theory to New and Emerging Media / Diffusion by Way of Symbolic Modeling / Limitations of Social Cognitive Theory
5. Priming
Accessibility / Activation of Priming / Characteristics and Boundary Conditions of Priming Effects / Models of Priming / Variables That Enhance Priming Effects from Violent Content / Key Areas of Priming Research
6. Agenda Setting
Conceptual Roots / Research Tradition / Second- and Third-Level Agenda Setting and Beyond / The Psychology of Agenda Setting / Agenda Setting in the Modern Media Landscape
7. Framing
Foundations of Framing Theory / Distinguishing Framing from Similar Concepts / Frame Building and Frame Setting / Research in Framing / The Future of Framing Research
8. Cultivation
The Cultural Indicators Project / Concepts and Criticisms / Theoretical Bases for Cultivation / Other Areas of Cultivation Research
9. Uses and Gratifications
Societal-Level Functions of the Mass Media / U&G Research: A Brief History / Assumptions of U&G / Criticisms of U&G / Models to Explain Uses and Effects / Media Use for Entertainment / U&G Research in the 21st Century
10. Persuasion
Research Tradition / Attitude, Emotions, Behavior, and Persuasion / Persuasion Models and Theories / Models Linking Beliefs, Attitudes, and Actions / Recent Research
Section Three: KEY AREAS OF RESEARCH
11. Effects of Media Violence
Media Violence Research and Public Policy: History and Future / Key Theories Used to Study Media Violence Effects / Media Violence Research Methods / The Psychological Impact of Media Violence / Enjoyment of Media Violence / Should We Be Concerned About Media Violence?
12. Effects of Sexual Media Content
The Nature of Sexual Content / The Extent of Sexual Content in the Media / Effects of Exposure to Sexual Content in Mainstream Media / Effects of Exposure to Sexual Content on Social Media / Effects of Exposure to Highly Explicit Sexual Content / Impact of Exposure to Sexually Violent Material / Sexual Script Acquisition, Activation, Application Model / Mediating and Moderating the Effects of Sexual Media Content / Areas of Concern Regarding Pornography Research
13. Effects of Frightening or Disturbing Media Content
The Study of Fright / Explanations for the Appeal of Fright / Measuring Fright / Reasons for Fear Reactions to Media Content / Individual Factors that Influence Fright Reactions and Enjoyment / Fright Reactions in Children / Strategies for Coping with Fear
14. Effects of Political Communication
Functions of Mass Media in a Democracy / Understanding of Political Media Effects in the 20th Century / Political Communication Effects in the Modern Media Landscape / The Internet and Social Media as Political Information Sources
15. Effects of Mass Media on Health
Research Findings / Online Health Information / Effects of Health Communication Campaigns
16. Effects of Media Stereotyping
Minority Portrayals in Media: A Look Back / Media as Conveyors of Social Information: The Current Picture / Characteristics of Minority Audiences / Gender Stereotyping / Effects of Media Stereotypes
17. Effects of Children's Educational Media
Educational Television / Key Questions about Learning from Children's Media
18. Effects of Video Games
A Look at the Modern Gamer / Effects of Violent Video Games / The Ongoing Debate about Video Game Addiction / Positive Effects of Video Games
19. Effects of the Internet and Social Media
How Much Time Do We Spend Online and What Do We Do There? / Effects of Social Media Use / Evolutions in Computer-Mediated Communication / Online Social Capital / Cyberbullying / Internet Addiction / Internet and the Changing Workplace
20. Effects of Mobile Communication
The Birth of the "Brick" / Effects on Social Coordination / Effects on Relational Communication / Effects on Youth Culture / Effects of Texting / Private Use in Public Space / Effects on Workplace Communication / Smartphone Addiction and Nomophobia
1. Understanding Media Effects
Processes of Communication / Communication Models / Measuring Media Effects / Other Research Methodologies of Media Effects / Overview of Media Effects Theories / Importance of Studying Media Effects
2. Historical Evidence of Media Effects
Historical Concern for Media Effects / Historical Evidence for Changes in Behavior and Opinion Due to Mass Media
3. History of the Scientific Study of Media Effects
The Early Days of Media Effects Research / The Notion of Powerful Effects / The Notion of Limited Media Effects / Effects of Varying Levels / Transactional of Negotiated Effects / Some Pioneers in Media Effects Research / Future of Effects Research
Section Two: THEORY AND CONCEPTS
4. Social Cognitive Theory
Distinctly Human Traits / Observational Learning and Modeling / Effects of Modeling / Learning from Media Content and Modeling / Social Prompting or Persuasion / Applying Social Cognitive Theory to New and Emerging Media / Diffusion by Way of Symbolic Modeling / Limitations of Social Cognitive Theory
5. Priming
Accessibility / Activation of Priming / Characteristics and Boundary Conditions of Priming Effects / Models of Priming / Variables That Enhance Priming Effects from Violent Content / Key Areas of Priming Research
6. Agenda Setting
Conceptual Roots / Research Tradition / Second- and Third-Level Agenda Setting and Beyond / The Psychology of Agenda Setting / Agenda Setting in the Modern Media Landscape
7. Framing
Foundations of Framing Theory / Distinguishing Framing from Similar Concepts / Frame Building and Frame Setting / Research in Framing / The Future of Framing Research
8. Cultivation
The Cultural Indicators Project / Concepts and Criticisms / Theoretical Bases for Cultivation / Other Areas of Cultivation Research
9. Uses and Gratifications
Societal-Level Functions of the Mass Media / U&G Research: A Brief History / Assumptions of U&G / Criticisms of U&G / Models to Explain Uses and Effects / Media Use for Entertainment / U&G Research in the 21st Century
10. Persuasion
Research Tradition / Attitude, Emotions, Behavior, and Persuasion / Persuasion Models and Theories / Models Linking Beliefs, Attitudes, and Actions / Recent Research
Section Three: KEY AREAS OF RESEARCH
11. Effects of Media Violence
Media Violence Research and Public Policy: History and Future / Key Theories Used to Study Media Violence Effects / Media Violence Research Methods / The Psychological Impact of Media Violence / Enjoyment of Media Violence / Should We Be Concerned About Media Violence?
12. Effects of Sexual Media Content
The Nature of Sexual Content / The Extent of Sexual Content in the Media / Effects of Exposure to Sexual Content in Mainstream Media / Effects of Exposure to Sexual Content on Social Media / Effects of Exposure to Highly Explicit Sexual Content / Impact of Exposure to Sexually Violent Material / Sexual Script Acquisition, Activation, Application Model / Mediating and Moderating the Effects of Sexual Media Content / Areas of Concern Regarding Pornography Research
13. Effects of Frightening or Disturbing Media Content
The Study of Fright / Explanations for the Appeal of Fright / Measuring Fright / Reasons for Fear Reactions to Media Content / Individual Factors that Influence Fright Reactions and Enjoyment / Fright Reactions in Children / Strategies for Coping with Fear
14. Effects of Political Communication
Functions of Mass Media in a Democracy / Understanding of Political Media Effects in the 20th Century / Political Communication Effects in the Modern Media Landscape / The Internet and Social Media as Political Information Sources
15. Effects of Mass Media on Health
Research Findings / Online Health Information / Effects of Health Communication Campaigns
16. Effects of Media Stereotyping
Minority Portrayals in Media: A Look Back / Media as Conveyors of Social Information: The Current Picture / Characteristics of Minority Audiences / Gender Stereotyping / Effects of Media Stereotypes
17. Effects of Children's Educational Media
Educational Television / Key Questions about Learning from Children's Media
18. Effects of Video Games
A Look at the Modern Gamer / Effects of Violent Video Games / The Ongoing Debate about Video Game Addiction / Positive Effects of Video Games
19. Effects of the Internet and Social Media
How Much Time Do We Spend Online and What Do We Do There? / Effects of Social Media Use / Evolutions in Computer-Mediated Communication / Online Social Capital / Cyberbullying / Internet Addiction / Internet and the Changing Workplace
20. Effects of Mobile Communication
The Birth of the "Brick" / Effects on Social Coordination / Effects on Relational Communication / Effects on Youth Culture / Effects of Texting / Private Use in Public Space / Effects on Workplace Communication / Smartphone Addiction and Nomophobia