Mass Media and Political Science Overview

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to mass media, political science, and the electoral process, providing a comprehensive review for the upcoming exam.

What is the definition of mass media?

Mass media refers to the methods of communication that reach large audiences, including social media, newspapers, television, and radio.

What are the key forms of mass media?

Key forms include television, newspapers, and social media.

What role does media play in informing the public?

Media serves to inform citizens about political events and issues.

What function does the media serve as a watchdog?

It acts as a check on government and political entities, holding them accountable for their actions.

What is agenda setting in the context of media?

Media influences what topics are considered important by the public.

How does the cost of information vary between different media?

Television news has low information cost, newspaper articles have higher costs, and social media provides quick snippets but requires more effort for deeper knowledge.

What is framing in media influence?

Framing refers to how information is presented and how it affects audience perceptions.

What does priming refer to in media?

Priming influences the standards by which people evaluate political figures or issues.

What are echo chambers?

Echo chambers occur when individuals only consume media that aligns with their existing beliefs.

What is misinformation?

Misinformation is the widespread belief in fake news, increasing skepticism towards all news outlets.

What is media bias?

Media bias refers to the political leanings of news organizations affecting their reporting style and content.

What is political polarization?

Political polarization is the growing divide between political parties and ideologies in society.

What does rational ignorance mean?

Rational ignorance occurs when the cost of acquiring political knowledge outweighs the perceived benefits.

What is cultivation theory in media?

Cultivation theory proposes that prolonged exposure to media content can shape an individual's perception of reality.

What is the significance of the Electoral College?

The Electoral College is the system used to elect the President, with 270 electoral votes needed to win.

How many total electoral votes are there in the U.S.?

There are 538 total electoral votes, including 3 for Washington D.C.

What does the term 'gerrymandering' refer to?

Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over another.

What are third-party candidates?

Third-party candidates are individuals running for office representing a political party other than the two major parties.

What is the proposed impact of third-party candidates on elections?

They can pull votes from major parties and affect election outcomes, potentially changing the result.

What is draw from the example of Woodrow Wilson's election in 1916?

Wilson was elected due to a split Republican vote caused by Teddy Roosevelt running as a third-party candidate.

What is the role of demographics in shaping political beliefs?

Demographics can influence political beliefs, as seen in survey results indicating regional and educational impacts.

How does education correlate with political awareness?

Higher education levels generally lead to increased political awareness and understanding of current events.

What is an important aspect of public sentiment changes?

Life experiences such as marriage and career changes can shift political views.

What is the role of polls in political science?

Polls provide measures of public sentiment and require random sampling for accurate representation.

What can question framing bias in surveys lead to?

It can influence the results by swaying responses, often seen in how questions are worded.

What is the influence of family on political opinions?

Family is a primary influence on political beliefs, especially in youth.

What are two types of political elections mentioned?

Presidential elections and midterm elections.