Actually, this theory was around as early as 1922, when Walter Lippmann wrote his famous book "Public Opinion." At that time, the theory did not have a name, however. It acquired a name in the early 1940s, based on research by social psychologist Kurt Lewin. In the early 1950s, two theorists named Bruce Westley and Malcolm S. MacLean Jr. developed further research about gatekeepers and their role in Mass Communication-- their study was an expansion of earlier research (1948) done by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver, who looked at how messages are disseminated to the public. Westley and MacLean were perhaps the first theorists to look at the role of the editor in which messages are included in a newscast and which are not.
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First, it should be noted that Denis McQuail does not have just one theory. He is a well-respected professor, researcher, and author, and his best-known book is called "Mass Communication Theory." It is now in a 6th edition, and is worth owning. In this very thorough book, McQuail explains nearly every modern theory about how mass communication occurs, and he also examines how mass communication affects society. His own research is included: for example, he discusses the role of politics and political rhetoric in mass communication, how globalization has affected mass communication, and the role of new media (including social media) as a factor in what the public believes.
According to the book "Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment, and Future," the four eras of mass communication theories are the mass society theory, the limited-effects perspective, the critical-cultural theories, and the framing theory.
The objective of mass communication is to disseminate information to a large audience through various channels such as television, radio, newspapers, and the internet. It aims to inform, educate, persuade, or entertain the public on a wide range of topics and issues. Mass communication plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing social change, and fostering cultural understanding.
The building blocks of theory in mass communication include key concepts such as media effects, audience reception, and communication processes. These elements help to explain how media influences public perception, shapes societal norms, and facilitates the exchange of information. Additionally, theoretical frameworks such as the uses and gratifications theory, agenda-setting, and the spiral of silence contribute to understanding the complex interactions between media, messages, and audiences. Together, these components form the foundation for analyzing and interpreting the role of mass communication in society.
Many colleges use the two interchangeably. Perhaps the main difference is that the first one refers to the theory of how communication to the mass audience occurs; while the other refers to the various types of mass media (radio, television, newspapers, magazines, books, recorded music, movies, the internet).
how can i find the variable between communication and mass communication
Melvin L. DeFleur is a prominent communication scholar who has written several books on communication theory and research, including "Theories of Mass Communication" and "Understanding Mass Communication." He is known for his work in media effects and communication technology.
Mass Communication is a process of communication in a large group of people by the help of a medium.
The Uses and Gratifications Theory posits that individuals actively seek out media content to fulfill specific needs and desires, such as entertainment, information, personal identity, and social interaction. This theory emphasizes the audience's role in selecting media based on their motivations, suggesting that people engage with mass communication to achieve satisfying outcomes rather than being passive consumers.
Mass communication theories encompass a variety of frameworks that explain how media influences individuals and society. Key theories include the Hypodermic Needle Theory, which suggests media messages are directly injected into the audience; the Uses and Gratifications Theory, focusing on why individuals actively seek out specific media; the Agenda-Setting Theory, which highlights how media can shape public perception by emphasizing certain topics; and the Cultivation Theory, which examines long-term effects of media exposure on viewers' beliefs and behaviors. Other notable theories include Framing Theory and Social Learning Theory.
Mass communication