Media Effects Theory Study Guide

A collection of flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Media Effects Theory lecture notes.

Political Polarization

The process by which public opinions diverge towards two opposing extremes, often influenced by factors such as partisan media and confirmation bias.

Partisan Media

Media outlets that align with particular political ideologies, often reinforcing biases and contributing to political polarization.

Filter Bubble

A situational state where individuals are exposed only to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, limiting diverse perspectives.

Algorithm-Based Recommendation

Systems that suggest content based on user preferences, potentially leading to echo chambers and compromised viewpoints.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs.

Echo Chambers

Environments, typically online, where users primarily encounter information that reinforces their own views.

Motivated Reasoning

A cognitive process where individuals’ desires shape reasoning to align with their beliefs or preferences.

Framing Effect

The way information is presented (or 'framed') influences perception and responses.

Priming Effect

The process by which exposure to one stimulus influences the response to another stimulus, not necessarily related.

Cultivation Theory

A theory by Gerbner that posits long-term exposure to media content can shape an individual's perceptions of reality.

Resonance

The concept in cultivation theory where a viewer's personal experiences align with the media messages, intensifying effects.

Mainstreaming

A process where heavy viewing of television brings diverse groups into a commonality of perception.

SESAM

A framework by Knobloch explaining how social comparison operates on social media.

Parasocial Relationships

One-sided attachments and connections individuals develop with media figures, particularly in fan cultures.

Koreaboo Phenomenon

A term describing individuals who adopt aspects of Korean culture out of admiration or fandom, which could be problematic.

Political Priming Effect

The influence of media on the standards by which people evaluate political figures or issues.

Priming of Stereotypes Effect

The phenomenon where exposure to specific media content activates stereotypical beliefs when encountering new information.

Behavioral Modeling (Bandura)

A process including attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, explaining how behaviors can be learned through observation.

Resistance to Persuasion

The psychological mechanisms individuals use to counteract persuasive messages, including reactance, forewarning, and counter-arguing.

Transportation-Imagery Model

A framework that examines how narrative media can transport viewers into the story, affecting their beliefs and attitudes.

Discreet Emotion Model

A model that categorizes emotions as distinct entities related to specific situations versus the dimensional model which views emotions along a spectrum.

Narrative-Specific Effects

Effects derived from engaging with narratives such as identification with characters and moral judgments.