Combines mass communication theory with detailed descriptions of the various research methods from content anaysis to survey research, historical and legal research and qualitative studies. Also includes information on ethics and research presentation.

This updated edition presents a civic journalism treatment of the field of mass communication research. The sine qua non of the civic journalism movement seems to center around an implicit assumption that the human mind is an evolved part in the natural world, not a detached spectator as much traditional philosophy assumes. Thus, it has attempted to encourage journalists and members of their audiences to participate actively in civic life. Applying the same idea to mass communication academics, this book focuses on the empirical consequences of their work, especially its possible impact on human life. It argues that researchers need to connect with the broader communities in which they live and considers the impact of media research on society. Features of the second edition include: *detailed update of research evidence concerning the media violence issue; *additional material concerning media ownership structures and their possible relationship to media content and effects; *new material focusing on the impact of tobacco and alcohol advertising; *updated and expanded section concerning the history of media studies; and *an expanded discussion of philosophical issues pertaining to theory construction. This book is intended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students studying mass communication theory and related subjects, such as communication theory, media effects, media literacy, and media and society.

Mass Communication Theories: Explaining Origins, Processes, and Effects explores mass communication theories within the social and cultural context that influenced their origins. An intimate examination of the lives and times of prominent mass communication theorists both past and present bring the subject to life for the reader.

Now in its third edition, this dynamic textbook blends coverage of the major theories and research methods in mass communication to enable students to apply their knowledge in today’s media and communication careers. Maintaining a focus on modern professional application throughout, this text provides chronological coverage of the development and use of major theories, an overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and a step-by-step guide to conducting a research project informed by this knowledge. It helps students bridge their academic coursework with professional contexts including public relations, advertising, and digital media contexts. It provides breakout boxes with definitions of key terms and theories, extended applied examples, and graphical models of key theories to offer a visualization of how the various concepts in the theory fit together. Applied Mass Communication Theory’s hybrid and flexible nature make it a useful textbook for both introductory and capstone courses on mass communication and media theory and research methods, as well as courses focused on media industries and professional skills. Instructors can access an online instructor’s manual, including sample exercises, test questions, and a syllabus, at www.routledge.com/9780367630362

Providing leading-edge perspectives on the legacy theories of mass media and society, this collection advances the foundational theories of mass communications, which have sustained the field of study over the past fifty years. Many of these contributions were originally published as a Deutschmann Scholarly Essay in the Mass Communication and Society journal, and together they comprise a remarkable source of knowledge, equipped to lead mass communications theory through the emergence of new technologies, and the evolution of communications, in the 21st century. Moreover, the contributions gathered in this volume contradict any critics who may claim the theories of the 20th century have outlived their usefulness, for these prove to guide contemporary research as forcefully as ever in the digital era. Validating the classic media theories across time and their various forms constitute the second focal section of this volume. Finally, senior media scholars offer their views on the future directions in which mass communication theories can be advanced.

The second edition of this innovative textbook provides a comprehensive overview of mass communication theories, as well as their origins and empirical supports in psychology, sociology, political science, and philosophy. Each chapter presents a specific theory, describing its basic structure in simple formal terms and providing an accessible summary of the research studies and scholarly writings from which it developed. It breaks each complex theory down into five or six interlinked basic propositions, making them easily digestible for students. This new edition includes up-to-date research; improved coverage of all theories presented; expanded treatments of theories such as cultivation theory, the spiral of silence, and framing; contemporary and social media examples; chapter discussion questions; and informative charts and figures. This textbook serves as an accessible core text for undergraduate and graduate Mass Communication, Communication Theory, and Communication and Society courses.