A Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication

A Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication

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In this fifth edition of A Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication, author Richard Jackson Harris continues his examination of how our experiences with media affect the way we acquire knowledge about the world, and how this knowledge influences our attitudes and behavior.

Presenting theories from psychology and communication along with reviews of the corresponding research, this text covers a wide variety of media and media issues, ranging from the commonly discussed topics – sex, violence, advertising – to lesser-studied topics, such as values, sports, and entertainment education.

The fifth and fully updated edition offers:

  • highly accessible and engaging writing
  • contemporary references to all types of media familiar to students
  • substantial discussion of theories and research, including interpretations of original research studies
  • a balanced approach to covering the breadth and depth of the subject
  • discussion of work from both psychology and media disciplines.

The text is appropriate for Media Effects, Media & Society, and Psychology of Mass Media coursework, as it examines the effects of mass media on human cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors through empirical social science research; teaches students how to examine and evaluate mediated messages; and includes mass communication research, theory and analysis.

Table of Contents

Mass Communication in Our Wired Society: The Changing Media Landscape

Research and Theory in Mass Communication: How We Study Media Scientifically

The Psychology of Media Use: Tapping into our Deepest Selves

Media Portrayals of Groups: Distorted Social Mirrors

Advertising: Baiting, Catching, and Reeling Us In

Sports, Music, and Religion: Emotion on Display

News: Setting the Agenda About the World

Politics: Using News and Advertising to Win Elections

Violence: Watching All That Mayhem Really Matters

Sex: Pornography, Innuendo, and Rape as a Turn-On

Socially Positive Media: Teaching about Health and Other Good Things

Responding to Media: Getting Our Two Cents In

References