Page 1
1.
What is the difference between mediated communication and mass media?
2.
What term do we use to refer to the way new media have blurred the lines between mass
media and more interpersonal forms of communication?
3.
Provide a brief example of a time when you have engaged in media multitasking.
4.
What do we mean when we say that the business of the media relies on exponentiality?
5.
Why is television criticized for its promotion of low culture?
6.
Provide an example of a television program you think embodies narrative complexity.
7.
The fictional television drama about vampire romances wasn’t likely to have large
audiences, but broadcast executives decided to produce the show anyway since they
knew the audience would be loyal and devoted. This example illustrates the power and
use of ___________.
8.
Why would a television network engage in self-censorship?
9.
In your own words, briefly explain why the FCC regulates broadcast television
networks but not satellite and cable television networks.
10.
Define the uses and gratifications perspective.
11.
Which concept explains why we may perceive other people as being highly dependent
on or influenced by the media while failing to realize how much we are also dependent
on or influenced by media?
12.
How might social cognitive theory explain how media content affects people’s
behavior?
13.
Discuss an example of user-generated content.
Page 2
14.
Using the textbook to justify your answer, what do you think hinders participation in the
digital world?
15.
List three of the five skills the textbook offers for how to become a more mindful and
media literate consumer.
16.
In what ways do “traditional media” and the pervasive “converged” media differ? Do
you believe that the traditional media are still powerful? Why or why not?
17.
Television is often characterized and criticized as low culture. Do you think this is a fair
assessment? Is it fair to disregard the cultural importance of television because much of
it appeals to our base needs? Why or why not?
18.
Should we be concerned about media bias? Synthesizing concepts and theories from
throughout this chapter, justify your answer.
19.
Your sister and her husband are discussing what television programming is appropriate
for your five-year-old niece. Based on what you read in this chapter, what information
would you share with them about the potential negative and positive effects of media
messages on children, as well as regulation of the content on television?
20.
Research cited in your text indicates that most teens and young adults interact with
media for more than nine hours each day, and that media multitasking may mean they
are exposed to even more media messages. Based on your own observation, do you
believe this estimate is accurate? How do your own media habits compare to that
statistic?
21.
Uses and gratifications perspective argues that we choose which media to access based
on our needs and goals. Reflecting on your own media habits, discuss the way you use
various media (Internet, television, music, film, etc.) to meet your own needs and goals.
Provide specific examples to illustrate your answer.
Page 3
Answer Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.