Chapter 1 introduction to mass media theories.pptx

theories of mass communication

1. Chapter 1: Introduction to Mass Comm Theory Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 20

2. What is Theory? A statement that tries to explain something that is difficult to understand A brief statement Summary of understanding Answers to questions about mass comm Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 20

3. Forms of Theories If-then statement If a teenager watches a lot of violent television, then he/she will commit aggressive acts. Is more likely statement A teenager who watches violent television is more likely to behave aggressively. Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 20

4. Forms of Theories The greater the X, the greater the Y The greater the violent television viewing, the greater the aggressive behavior. Statements using leads to Watching violent television leads to more aggressive behavior. Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 215

5. Testing Theories These statements/assumptions are then tested through research using scientific methods. This leads to one of 3 things. Confirmed If a teenager watches a lot of violent television, then he/she will commit aggressive acts . Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 215

6. Testing Theories Partially confirmed (with specified limits) A teenager who watches violent television is more likely to behave aggressively than a teenager who watches nonviolent television but some other factors come into play. These include: the availability of weapons in the household acts of violence are committed in the household Lack of education Social class Disconfirmed Watching violent television does not lead to aggressive behavior Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 215

7. Testing Theories That is why theories are the end product of research After research is conducted, the statement is revised in light of the research results Original statement: There is a link between violent television viewing & aggressive behavior among teenagers Revised statement or theory: A teenager who watches violent television is more likely to behave aggressively. It is only then that it becomes a theory Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 215

8. Why Theories are Useful Theories help us: understand how mass communication works violent television has dangerous consequences and should not be taken lightly predict the outcomes of mass communication violent television content leads to violence in society control the outcomes of mass communication if you don't want violence in society, then you limit violent TV content Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 20

9. Page Numbers in the Textbook Pages 11-12: The Role of Theory Page 12: The Goals of Mass Comm Theory Page 17: Conclusion Dr. Aliaa Dawoud MCOM 20