Mass Media Theories 1870-1930

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Questions and Answers

What is a common theme expressed by conservatives during periods of societal upheaval?

Resisting change and emphasizing the negative effects of social transitions (correct)

Focusing on the beneficial aspects of mass media

Promoting checks and balances in governance

Encouraging rapid social change

What characterized the public's anxiety towards new media between the 1870s and 1930s?

Awe and amazement at the popularity of new media (correct)

Scientific studies demonstrating media's limitations

Beliefs in media having no significant impact on beliefs

Widespread acceptance of new media technologies

What impact did WWI and WWII have on societal attitudes regarding optimism and pessimism?

Boosted optimism for social changes

Encouraged a focus on technological advancements

Diminished fears of mass media's influence

Increased pessimism and affected views on democracy (correct)

What significant shift occurred in the 1870s-1930s regarding mass media?

Transition from elite-controlled information to widespread access Signup and view all the answers

Which research effectively confirmed the power of mass media during the early 20th century?

Lazarsfeld’s Radio Project Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of the mass as described in the content?

It is homogeneous in its choice for a particular object of interest. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common anxiety expressed regarding mass media?

It is often seen as dangerous and potentially destructive. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the shift from agential to structuralist views of masses?

A recognition of external structures influencing individual actions. Signup and view all the answers

What optimistic outcome is associated with mass society?

Expansion of the discursive universe and stimulation of individualism. Signup and view all the answers

How is mass communication characterized in the content?

It represents a theoretical condition rarely found in pure form. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lasswell's formula primarily focus on in communication?

The different elements involved in communication Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was NOT identified as a societal change during the late 19th and early 20th century?

Economic stability Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of early mass media theories?

Focus on crowd psychology Signup and view all the answers

What societal development is associated with the rise of a new working class in the late 19th century?

Creation of a politicized underclass Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of mass communication regarding its audience?

The audience is recognized as a larger aggregate of anonymous consumers. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mass society' imply in early media studies?

A society marked by collective behaviors and shared characteristics Signup and view all the answers

In terms of communication channels, which aspect was NOT highlighted?

The economic impact of the channels Signup and view all the answers

How is information produced in mass communication according to the modern definition?

Information is manufactured in a standardized fashion. Signup and view all the answers

What role did early media theories primarily focus on regarding the masses?

Control and manipulation of public opinion Signup and view all the answers

What is noted as a concern regarding media's influence on individuals?

Media messages are often accepted passively. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic was NOT related to the audience in Lasswell's formula?

The audience's emotional response Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'commodification of symbolic forms' imply in mass communication?

Content is created with the intention of commercial exchange. Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication model is primarily practiced in mass communication?

One-to-many communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the mass in mass media?

A heterogeneous public Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the influence of mass media on individuals?

Influence primarily occurs beyond local group traditions Signup and view all the answers

How does mass media influence participants in a crowd according to current theories?

Participants maintain self-awareness Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates masses from publics?

Masses are unorganized and less aware Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with the transformation hypothesis regarding crowds in mass media research?

It overemphasizes collective behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How are masses described when referring to their composition and behavior?

Dynamic with shifting boundaries Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about crowds in terms of cognitive ability?

Crowds exhibit diminished cognitive ability during extreme situations. Signup and view all the answers

Which term is often used as a substitute for 'mass' to strip away negative connotations?

Audience Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft as described in the context of mass media?

Gemeinschaft involves small-scale interactions, whereas Gesellschaft involves large-scale organizations. Signup and view all the answers

According to Tarde, what is the primary difference between 'crowds' and 'publics'?

Crowds share a physical presence, while publics are physically dispersed. Signup and view all the answers

How did LeBon perceive the behavior of crowds?

He held that crowds often resulted from an unconscious transformation of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What was Durkheim's perspective on social cohesion as it evolved from Gemeinschaft to Gesellschaft?

Organic solidarity can replace mechanistic solidarity in modern societies. Signup and view all the answers

What does the pessimistic view of mass media suggest regarding social interaction?

It leads to a 'mass society' of isolated individuals susceptible to manipulation. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the fear that masses threaten the status quo, leading to attempts to understand and control them?

Crowd behavior Signup and view all the answers

What key idea did LeBon contribute to the study of crowds?

Crowds display heightened suggestibility and impulsive behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics of crowds is highlighted in the psychology of crowd behavior?

Crowds have a single collective impulse and emotional response. Signup and view all the answers

What role do newspapers play according to the concerns of LeBon?

They function as a tool for governments to measure public mood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'transformation hypothesis' proposed by LeBon?

Individuals lose their sense of individuality and are influenced by the crowd. Signup and view all the answers

According to Tarde, what is a significant contribution of newspapers to the formation of publics?

They facilitate a broader conversation beyond local interests. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of crowd behavior, what was the primary critique of LeBon's theories?

He failed to recognize that crowds could positively influence democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of solidarity did Durkheim propose as a modern replacement for earlier forms in Gesellschaft?

Organic solidarity Signup and view all the answers

What perspective does the term ‘functional differentiation’ refer to in Durkheim's theory?

The separation of economic and social roles in Gesellschaft. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the viewpoint of romantic and nationalist thinkers toward mass society?

They held a disdain for the lack of individuality in mass society. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication Science Class 5

Course taught by Professor Dr. Thomas Jacobs
Introduces Lasswell's Formula (1948), conceptualizing communication via the questions: What? To whom? Who? Why? and How?
The formula analyzes communication elements.

Mass Society & Mass Media

Focuses on crowds, publics, masses, and audiences.
Mass media theories emerged alongside 19th-century mass media.
Theories focused on the masses, society, and crowds rather than specific media.
Characterized by ideological biases and a fear of mass influence.
Early theories were significantly influenced by the societal upheaval of the late 19th and early 20th century.

Societal Upheaval

Phenomenon encompassing 19th and 20th-century major social transformations.
Key factors include industrialization, urbanization, and political unrest.
Massive social changes led to significant shifts in social relations.
New classes and political movements emerged.

Mass Media Anxiety

Between 1870s and 1930s, mass media's rapid growth in film, radio, and newspapers heightened anxiety.
The wide reach triggered concern and discussion about its influence.
Initial media theories demonstrated concern about the masses, and how media could be used to affect them.
Fear of propaganda and manipulation was prevalent.

Psychology of Crowds

Notion that crowds have distinct, easily manipulated characteristics.
Historical attempts to understand mass behaviour.
Three types of crowd analysis: psychological, criminological, and sociological.
Researchers believed crowds could display heightened irrationality and emotionality.

Publics vs Crowds

Tarde's ideas contrasted LeBon's by emphasizing the critical thinking and complexity of publics.
Tarde posited publics as ideologically coherent but dispersed groups.
Public discourse, debate, and critical thinking are facilitated in publics, compared to crowds' impulsivity and limited discourse.

Mass Communication Today

Modern concepts of mass communication differ from earlier conceptions.
Mass media's capacity for influencing society remains a widely studied issue.
The nature of "the mass" continues to evolve.
More complex and less monolithic understandings are emerging of how mass media operates than earlier models.

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Description

Explore key themes and societal tensions surrounding mass media from the late 19th to early 20th century. This quiz examines anxieties about new media, the impact of WWI and WWII, and the evolution of communication theories. Test your knowledge on significant shifts and views regarding mass society during this transformative period.