Untitled Deck Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are two ways to define public opinion?
1) Expression of views; 2) Tool of social integration and control
What is the most common tool for measuring public opinion?
Surveys
Why can’t public opinion exist without mass communication?
Because mass communication is necessary to share and shape collective opinions
What are four criticisms of the behaviorist approach?
1) People think carefully sometimes; 2) People hold the same attitude for different reasons; 3) Attitudes are interconnected; 4) People do not always act consistently with attitudes
What is the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM)?
A theory that persuasion is stronger when people are motivated and able to process detailed arguments. If not, they rely on superficial cues.
What is cognitive dissonance?
The discomfort caused by inconsistency between two cognitions.
What are three ways to alleviate cognitive dissonance?
1) Change one cognition; 2) Add consonant cognitions; 3) Alter the importance of cognitions
What is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)?
A theory that behavior is driven by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.
What is the availability heuristic?
A decision-making shortcut where judgments are based on how easily examples come to mind.
What is the fundamental attribution error?
The tendency to overestimate dispositional factors and underestimate situational influences on behavior.
What were the main findings of Asch’s conformity experiment?
About 1/3 of participants conformed to the incorrect majority.
What were the main findings of Milgram’s obedience study?
2/3 of participants administered the highest shock level when instructed.
What is the difference between normative and informational social influence?
Normative = Conforming to fit in; Informational = Conforming because others provide valid information.
What are rally effects?
A surge in public support for leaders during crises, which fades over time.
What are conditions for rally effects?
International conflict, a vilified enemy, substantial media attention, and official control of information.
What are three indicators of media emphasis?
Attention (frequency), placement (top story), and content cues (headlines, tone).
What is agenda setting?
The media influences what the public thinks is important.
What are Entman’s four functions of framing?
1) Define the problem; 2) Identify the cause; 3) Make a moral judgment; 4) Suggest remedies
What are limits to media framing?
Counter-frames, issue importance, and how well the frame aligns with existing knowledge.
What is cultivation theory?
Long-term media exposure shapes perceptions of reality.
What are three key findings from cultivation research?
1) Mean world syndrome; 2) Mainstreaming; 3) Resonance
What is third-person perception (3PP)?
The belief that others are more influenced by negative media than oneself.
What is the hostile media phenomenon (HMP)?
The perception that media is biased against one’s own views.
What is the spiral of silence?
People remain silent on issues when they believe their opinion is in the minority.
