Communication Theories and Models

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a theory in media studies?

To document past media events.

To predict the future based on existing data. (correct)

To simplify complex issues for audiences.

To provide entertainment through storytelling.

Which theory emphasizes that society is generally disabling and non-inclusive?

Social Model of Disability (correct)

Gender Performativity Theory

Media Conglomeration Theory

Critical Race Theory

What does Gender Performativity suggest?

Gender is performed through repeated acts. (correct)

Gender equality is achieved through legislation.

Gender is a social construct influenced by media.

Gender roles are innate and biological.

What does the Hypodermic Needle Theory imply about the audience?

The audience is influenced without any resistance. Signup and view all the answers

According to Harold Lasswell's Propaganda Theory, what is the primary purpose of propaganda?

To manage collective attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

Which model of communication suggests that communication lacks inherent meaning?

Peters' Communication Model Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Regulation Theory?

Addresses challenges posed by media conglomeration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between colonialism and settler colonialism?

Colonialism is focused on resource extraction, whereas settler colonialism leads to the elimination or assimilation of Indigenous people. Signup and view all the answers

What key legal status did the Indian Act of 1876 define?

The status of 'Indian' as recognized by the Canadian government. Signup and view all the answers

What does Barry Barclay's concept of 'Fourth Cinema' primarily emphasize?

Use of Indigenous languages and community-centered storytelling. Signup and view all the answers

How does behaviorism relate to media studies according to the content?

It focuses on how individuals engage with media based on external stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the 1982 Constitution have on Indigenous recognition in Canada?

It formally recognized the rights of Inuit and Métis people. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory focuses on what media does to individuals rather than how individuals use media?

Propaganda theory. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major characteristic of 'contested remediation' in media?

It involves reworking existing media to challenge dominant narratives. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of social media models is highlighted in contemporary discussions?

Emphasis on user engagement and data commodification. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication Theories

Theories are developed after testing and used to explain phenomena & make future predictions.
Genre Theory: Repeating elements across stories helps identify how stories are told.
Culture Industries: Powerful corporations control media to minimise risk.
Social Model of Disability: Society is disabling and non-inclusive; issues of production & casting reflect this.
Critical Race Theory: Popular culture often reflects majority culture, and race is socially constructed.
Feminist Theory: Studies gender inequality and discrimination, emphasizing gender equality.
Gender Performativity: Gender is a performance through repeated acts.
Regulation Theory: Media convergence, transnational corporations, and digital platforms challenge conventions.

Models of Communication and Media

Key questions: What are existing models/definitions of communication and media? What are the assumptions about the purpose and function of communication?
John Durham Peters: Communication lacks inherent meaning & better wiring won't solve the problem.
Common Models: Transmission model (sender-receiver) & Cultural/Ritual model (shared meaning).
The "Problem" of Communication: Communication involves noise, misunderstanding, and persuasion.
The Dream of Communication: Raymond Williams (1983): Communication is about making common and involves exchange.

History of Communication and Media

Phaedrus: An encounter between Socrates.
Hypodermic Needle/Magic Bullet Theory (1930s): Deterministic view; powerful media, passive audience, direct effects; no individual differences.
Propaganda Theory (Harold Lasswell, 1920s): Originated from WW propaganda; 'Propaganda is the management of collective attitudes by manipulating symbols'; aims to influence society based on fears of totalitarianism with 'master symbols' evoking strong emotions.

Disinformation and Democracy

Disinformation: Lies intended to cause harm, intentionally spread.
Misinformation Types: Lies, propaganda, election falsehoods, rumors.
Contemporary Context: Technology has changed how disinformation spreads.

Decolonization and Indigenous Media

Colonialism/Settler Colonialism: Colonialism: Foreign powers exploiting indigenous land and resources. Settler colonialism: Settlers stay, Indigenous people face elimination or assimilation.
Key Historical Events: Confederation (1867), Gradual Enfranchisement Act (1869), Indian Act (1876) (defines 'Indian' legal status), 1939 Supreme Court (Inuit are legally 'Indian'), 1982 Constitution (Recognizes Inuit and Métis).
Residential Schools (1883-1996).
Cultural Appropriation: Settler societies seek to destroy and use Indigenous symbols for nation-building.
Decolonization: Gaining independence and Indigenous assertion of sovereignty.
Barry Barclay on "Fourth Cinema"/Indigenous Film: features silence, long takes, Indigenous languages, & community focus.
Contested Remediation: Reworking old media to denaturalize content.

Communication and Media Theory

Main Concern: The power (and effect) of media.
Behaviorism: All human actions are conditioned responses to external stimuli (Czitrom, p.139).
B.F. Skinner: Studied behavior change through reinforcement; variable rewards create addictive habits.
Influences of Behaviorism on Media Studies: Propaganda Theory, Payne Fund Studies (effects of movies on youth), Market Research (public opinion & persuasion).
Lazarsfeld's Contribution: Emphasized limited effects paradigm, focusing on how people use media.
Frankfurt School Critique: Empirical approaches fail to examine culture comprehensively.
Uses and Gratifications: Focuses on why people use media and what they get out of it.
Modern Implications: Social Media Models (profit-driven, user engagement & data commodification), Media Effects on Children.

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Description

Explore various communication theories that shape our understanding of media and societal issues. This quiz covers genre theory, critical race theory, feminist theory, and more, as well as the different models of communication. Test your knowledge on how these theories apply to real-world contexts and media production.