These resources can be a great starting point for your research.
Media Psychology 101 by
"This book provides a thoughtful and balanced look at some of the hot topics generating headlines, such as media violence, body image, social representation and sex in the media.Media Psychology 101 will be a valuable addition to introductory courses and the public as a user-friendly overview of much-discussed issues. -Pamela Rutledge, PsycCRITIQUES There are few areas of modern social science that are as fiercely debated as media psychology. Written by one of the foremost experts on the topic, this is a concise overview of what is known√>=and not known√>=about how individuals are affected by and interact with various forms of mass media. The book critically examines research from cognitive, social, developmental, biological, and evolutionary approaches to psychology and addresses the interplay between media consumption and viewer behavior in such realms as advertising, body image, sex, and violence. Distinguished by its examination of research from a scientifically objective position, the book offers students not only current knowledge of media psychology but also the tools to challenge commonly held assumptions from popular advocacy and ideology. This text cuts across different psychological approaches to studying how individuals are affected by mass media and includes research from criminal justice and sociology. It considers critical debates in media psychology and how debates in science themselves can be influenced by processes such as "moral panic." Written in a lively, accessible manner, the book draws upon engaging examples such as Photoshopped model controversies, dubious advertising practices, and attempts to blame violent crimes on media to illustrate scholarly principles. Throughout, data from research studies are related back to real-world phenomena such as violence rates, advertising dollars spent, or changes in the news media. Written for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students studying media psychology, the text will also be of value to professionals in psychology, sociology, and criminal justice as well as individuals involved in public policy as it relates to media effects. Key Features Offers an objective, interdisciplinary approach to understanding media and behavior Draws from cognitive, social, developmental, and biological psychology, as well as criminal justice research and sociology Challenges the conclusions drawn from research to foster critical thinking Written in a lively, accessible writing style with engaging examples
The Contradictions of Media Power by
Media power is a crucial, although often taken for granted, concept. We assume, for example, that the media are 'powerful'; if they were not, why would there be so many controversies over the regulation, control and impact of communicative institutions and processes? Further, we assume that this 'power' is somehow problematic; audiences are often treated as highly susceptible to media influence and too much 'power' in the hands of one organization or individual is seen as risky and potentially dangerous. Such concerns have motivated a whole series of academic texts on media impact, influence and effects. Yet it is still not clear what we mean by media power or how effective it is. This book evaluates contrasting definitions of media power and looks at the key sites in which power is negotiated, concentrated and resisted - politically, technologically and economically. Combining an evaluation of both previous literature and new research, the book seeks to establish an understanding of media power which does justice to the complexities and contradictions of the contemporary social world. It will be important reading for undergraduates, postgraduates and scholars alike.
The People's News by
In an ideal world, journalists act selflessly and in the public interest regardless of the financial consequences. However, in reality, news outlets no longer provide the most important and consequential stories to audiences; instead, news producers adjust news content in response to ratings, audience demographics, and opinion polls. While such criticisms of the news media are widely shared, few can agree on the causes of poor news quality. The People's News argues that the incentives in the American free market drive news outlets to report news that meets audience demands, rather than democratic ideals.In short, audiences' opinions drive the content that so often passes off as "the news." The People's News looks at news not as a type of media but instead as a commodity bought and sold on the market, comparing unique measures of news content to survey data from a wide variety of sources. Joseph Uscinski's rigorous analysis shows news firms report certain issues over others - not because audiences need to know them, but rather, because of market demands. Uscinski also demonstrates that the influence of market demands also affects the business of news, prohibiting journalists from exercising independent judgment and determining the structure of entire news markets as well as firm branding. Ultimately, the results of this book indicate profit-motives often trump journalistic and democratic values.The findings also suggest that the media actively responds to audiences, thus giving the public control over their own information environment. Uniting the study of media effects and media content, The People's News presents a powerful challenge to our ideas of how free market media outlets meet our standards for impartiality and public service.
In this assignment, you must research mass media’s effects on the individual’s perception of the world. You must make a claim about mass media and a social effect, and then use three resources to support that claim. Your resources must be research-based.
This guide will look at how to find research and sources about the social effect & impact of mass media.
Starting Out
Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) is a great database to begin researching. This database consists of reliable reference encyclopedias and handbooks, giving you an overview of the topic.
Suggested keywords and phrases to search may include:
This link opens in a new windowFinding Journal Articles and other Publications
To search for reputable journal articles, search ProQuest Central.
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Keyword Bank: Mass Media and Society |
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Your strategy will be to combine words and phrases related to mass media with words and phrases related to things you need to know about it - like its effects within society, politics, economics, etc. Here are some keyword examples you can use to mix-and-match within ProQuest Central and other sources:
The keywords mass communication can be used to replace the words mass media OR they can be used in conjunction with mass media. For example:
This isn't a comprehensive list of every option, but it should help you start your research. Remember that research is a process and you may need to try a few searches before you start finding exactly what you need. Also note that Proquest, EBSCO, and most of our other databases automatically assume the word AND between words and phrases, and using quotation marks tells databases to search exact words and phrases. Joining words and phrases will target (or narrow) the search to more specific results. In other words, the more words and phrases you type in, the fewer results you'll see, but they'll be more specific. |
Need more?
You can also try expanding your research by using the search box on the Search page of this research guide. This box, powered by EBSCO Discovery Service, will expand the resources beyond just ProQuest and include everything EBSCO and our other databases has to offer.
A suggested search to try may be mass media influence on society
