Sociology, Department of
Date of this Version
2013
Citation
In Handbook of Communication Science. Vol. 1: Theories and Models of Communication, edited by Paul Cobley and Peter J. Schultz, 289-308. Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton, 2013. http://www.degruyter.com/view/product/44608?rskey=BWE2QE&result=5
Abstract
While the issue of citizen competency has vexed scholars throughout history, the modern concepts of a mass public and mass media are relatively new. Beginning with the seminal works of Lippmann and Dewey, we chart the evolving theories of public opinion, from the "hypodermic needle" model of the early twentieth century to the more psychologically oriented approach to media effects of today. We argue that in addition to understanding how audiences process media content, theories of public opinion must account for how media content is constructed and disseminated, which is complicated by the ever-changing nature of our media landscape.
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Mass Communication Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Sociology of Culture Commons, Theory, Knowledge and Science Commons
Comments
Copyright 2013 De Gruyter Mouton. Used by permission.