Becoming a Critic: An Introduction to Analyzing Media Content
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2014
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2014
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Filling a void in the media theory, methods, and literacy market, Becoming a Critic is an introduction to current and approachable theory and research on media content. By addressing undergraduate readers as student scholars, the reader is taught to objectively assess the content and implications of media messages – active learning!
The text begins with an overview of methods of analyzing media content, including critical/cultural, quantitative, and qualitative approaches. It is the only text to equally explore and apply these methodologies.
The chapters review approaches to media analysis, and offer case studies and reviews of recent research on diverse types of media content. It includes traditional media content in addition to new and emerging genres such as reality television, sports, drama, comedy, music, social networking and more.
Available in print and eBook formats, Becoming a Critic:
- Introduces unique aspects of media content, reviews the extant literature relevant to that content, and then offers a brief case study as an exemplar of the concepts in each chapter.
- Focuses on applying methods of media analysis, and it includes a discussion of theories as lenses for conducting analyses.
- Introduces to the CRITIC (Cash, Recall, Interpretation, Titillation, Interests, Conduct) process to assess media messages
- Features an extensive instructors research package including sample syllabi, test bank, chapter exercises, review questions, and links to media examples
CHAPTER 1: An Introduction to Becoming a Critic
Chapter Preview
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: The Onion and Being a Critic
The Value of Media Analysis Skills
Having an Analytical Toolbox in a Changing Media Environment
Media Ecology: Media Is an Environment
The First Analytical Toolset: Analytic Methods
Comparing Quantitative, Qualitative, and Critical Content Analytic Methods
Qualitative (Interpretive) versus Quantitative (Objective) Content Research: More than Just Counting
Relative Strengths of Each Method
Triangulation
Examples of Triangulation in Recent Media Content Research
The Second Analytical Toolset: Economic, Cultural, and Individual-Level Explanations of Content
Media Economics and Cultural Studies: Who Develops Media Content and Media as Social Control
Uses and Gratifications: Who Uses Media Content and Why
The Third Analytical Toolset: Elements of Media Content Related to Perceptions, Emotions, Learning, and Behavior
Media Content and Internal Processes
Media Content and Behaviors Depicted
History of the Debate Over Media Content and Behavior
Evidence of Very Real Effects? The Case of Mass Shootings
Conclusion
References
Part 1: Introduction to Content Analytic Approaches
CHAPTER 2: Objective Approaches to Analyzing Media Content
Chapter Preview
Defining Quantitative Content Analysis
What Is Quantitative Content Analysis?
The Main Assumptions of Quantitative Content Analysis
Quantification in Media Analysis and Criticism
The Scope of Quantification: Descriptive Analysis
The Importance of Coding in Quantification
Methods of Conducting Quantitative Content Analysis
Formulation of Study
Coder Training and Reliability
Data Analysis
Writing Up the Results
Examples of Quantitative Content Analyses of Media Content
Assessment of This Methodology
Advantages of Quantification
Disadvantages of Quantification
Conclusions
References
CHAPTER 3: Qualitative Approaches to Analyzing Media Content
Chapter Review
Defining Qualitative Content Analysis
What Qualitative Content Analysis Is
Why Qualitative Content Analysis Is a Valuable Skill
What Qualitative Content Analysis Involves
Collect and Transcribe Your Data
Identify Categories
Methods for Finding Categories or Themes in Media Content
Grounded Conventional Analysis: Creating Categories and Discovering Themes
Directed Content Analysis: Qualitative Analysis Based on Theory
Summative Content Analysis: Start with Quantitative Analysis
Coding
Organize Your Notes
Taxonomic Approaches
Componential Approaches
Interpret Themes / Categories and Describe Patterns
Example Qualitative Content Analyses of Media Content
Examples of Directed Content Analysis for Several Concepts Covered in the Book
Examples of Conventional Content Analysis
Examples of Summative Analysis
Example of Constant Comparison as a Coding Technique
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 4: Critical Approaches to Analyzing Media Content
Chapter Preview
Defining Critical Analysis
Why Critical Analysis Is a Valuable Skill
The Process of Conducting a Critical Analysis
Critical Approaches to Media Content
Rhetorical Approach
Social Approach
Cultural Approach
Methods of Critical Analysis
Consider the Authorship of the Message: Auteur Criticism
Consider the Type of Message: Genre
Consider the Structure of the Message: Dramatism, Narratives, Visuals, and Production
Analyze the Persuasive Elements of the Message: Identification, Guilt, Ideology, Social Class, and Gender
Conclusion: Evaluating Critical Approaches
Elements of Quality Critical Essays
Example Critical Essays
Potential Pitfalls of Critical Analysis
References
Part 2: Background on Media Companies and Media Users
CHAPTER 5: Cash: The Money is the Message
Chapter Preview
Introduction
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: News Corp.
Media Economics
Media Consolidation
Media Regulation
Convergence
Regulation of Media Content
Copyright
Free Speech
Defamation
Hate Speech and Incitement
Obscenity
Cultural Studies
Ideological Content: Our Consumer Culture
Ideological Content: Implicit Racism, Classism, Sexism, and Heterosexism
Cultural Studies vs. Media Economics
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 6: Reasons: Different Media Content Fulfills Different Needs for Different People
Chapter Preview
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: The Bachelor
Motives for Media Use
Overview of Uses and Gratifications Theory
Motives Typologies: Communication Choices Are Goal-directed and Purposeful
Typologies of Media Use
Motives, Audience Activity, and Effects
Confounding Variables: Many Social and Psychological Factors Mediate Choices
Personality
Situation
Motives and Gratifications by Genre: Some Examples
News
Websites
Social Networks
Politics
Reality TV
Soap Operas and Diversion
Situation Comedies and Satire
Sports and Fandom
A Critic’s View: Hooking the User
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: Fans and Fanatics
Closing
References
Part 3: Elements of Media Content: Perception and Values, Emotions, Information, and Behavior
CHAPTER 7: Interpretation: Perceptions and Values Taught in Media Content
Chapter Preview
Introduction
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: “Don’t read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly”
Television Production, Perceived Realism, and Implications for Perception
Defining Realism
Cultivation Theory: A Mainstreamed, Mean World
Overview of Cultivation Analysis
Cultivation Case-in-Point: Crime Dramas
The Mean World Syndrome
Mainstreaming
Limitations and Explanations of the Cultivation Effect
Narrative Analysis: The Critical Study of Stories in the Media
Plot
Characters
Setting
Example Narrative Analysis: The Break-Up
Ideological Analysis: The Critical Study of the Beliefs and Values in Media Content
Key Concepts for Conducting Ideological Criticism
Process for Conducting an Ideological Analysis
Comparing Ideological and Narrative Analysis with Cultivation Analysis
Our Obsession with Beauty and Youth: Depictions of Women in Media Content
The Thin Ideal
Social Comparison
Reflected Appraisals
Self-Discrepancy and Body Image
Our Understanding of Material Success and Professions: Cultural Values and Ideology in Media Content
Consumerism and Materialism
Professions
Our (Mis)perceptions of Others: Stereotypes in Media Content
Socioeconomic Groups
Sex Roles
Homosexuality
Race
Age
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 8: Titillation: Involvement and Emotion in Media Content
Chapter Preview
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: Is Fake News Hurting or Helping Political Discourse in America?
Involvement in Media Content
Involvement During Media Use: Relevance and Usefulness of Content
Involvement Due to Media Characters: Parasocial Interaction and Identification
Parasocial Interaction
Identification
Involvement Due to Media Features: Affinity and Addiction
Media Affinity
Media Addiction
Emotional Content: Frightening Media
Use of Fear in Advertisements
Frightening Entertainment and News Content
Emotional Content: Violent and Pornographic Content
Graphic Violence: Desensitization, Arousal, Excitation Transfer, and Catharsis
Aggression
Pornography
Outcomes of Graphically Violent and Pornographic Media Content
Emotional Content: Humor
Situation Comedies
Emotional Management via Media
Overview of Mood Management Theory
Effects of Messages on Moods
Music
Video Games
TV and Movies
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 9: Information: Learning and Informational Content
Chapter Preview
Introduction
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: Is Barack Obama an American?
Agenda Setting: How the News Primes Issues
Overview of Agenda Setting Theory
Overview of the Chapel Hill Study
Why Agenda Setting Happens: Gatekeeping
Agenda-Setting Effects
The Process of Priming
Agenda Setting in the Era of Internet News and e-Readers
Second-Level Agenda Setting: Framing
Definitions of Framing
Case Study: Pell Grant Cuts Aren’t That Bad
Comparing Agenda Setting and Framing
Types of Frames
Game, Strategy, and Issue Frames: Covering Politics as a Game
Gain vs. Loss Frames
Episodic vs. Thematic Frames
Status Quo Frames
Repercussions of News Content: Factual vs. Perceived Knowledge
The Knowledge Gap
Factual Knowledge
Knowledge Structures
Learning from Entertainment Media
Incidental Learning via Entertainment Media
Entertainment TV for Adults
Educational TV for Children
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 10: Conduct: Behaviors Depicted in Media Content
Chapter Preview
Introduction
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: Condom Legislation in the Pornography Industry
Priming Behaviors
Assumptions of Priming Theory
Research Study: does Advertising Prime Eating Behavior?
Learning New Behaviors: Social Cognitive Theory
Cognitive Processes in SCT
Silencing: Spiral of Silence theory
Assumptions of the Theory
The Role of Media in Spiral of Silence
Case Study: Gay Marriage
What Came First: The Media or the Behavior?
Conclusion
References
CONCLUSION
GLOSSARY
INDEX
Dr. Curnalia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University. Her background is in media and persuasion theory, which she applies to research American politics, including analysis of advertisements, traditional and “fake” news coverage, and the political messages in entertainment media. You can read Dr. Curnalia’s research in Communication Research Reports, Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, the American Communication Journal, and in recently published books such as Venomous Speech:Problems with American Political Discourse on the Right and Left and Reality TV:Oddities of Culture.
Cary Wecht is Associate Professor and former Chair of the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University, now Associate Dean of the College of Creative Arts and Communication, and YSU Faculty Development Coordinator. She is the author of articles and book chapters on varied topics such as communication and biology, use of media during 9/11, reality television, and business communication. Her research has been published in Communication Quarterly, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and Communication Research Reports.
Dr. Ferris is an Assistant Professor of Communication at The University of Akron Wayne College. She enjoys studying the effects of television on viewers, as well as the impact of new media use, including social networks and mobile phones. Her research has been published in the Journal of Communication, Computers in Human Behavior, and the Ohio Communication Journal as well as in edited books on mobile phone use, the political climate after 9/11, and prosocial behavior on television. Dr. Ferris also enjoys serving as the Assistant Editor for the Ohio Communication Journal as well as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Communication, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and the British Journal of Education, Society, & Behavioural Science.
Filling a void in the media theory, methods, and literacy market, Becoming a Critic is an introduction to current and approachable theory and research on media content. By addressing undergraduate readers as student scholars, the reader is taught to objectively assess the content and implications of media messages – active learning!
The text begins with an overview of methods of analyzing media content, including critical/cultural, quantitative, and qualitative approaches. It is the only text to equally explore and apply these methodologies.
The chapters review approaches to media analysis, and offer case studies and reviews of recent research on diverse types of media content. It includes traditional media content in addition to new and emerging genres such as reality television, sports, drama, comedy, music, social networking and more.
Available in print and eBook formats, Becoming a Critic:
- Introduces unique aspects of media content, reviews the extant literature relevant to that content, and then offers a brief case study as an exemplar of the concepts in each chapter.
- Focuses on applying methods of media analysis, and it includes a discussion of theories as lenses for conducting analyses.
- Introduces to the CRITIC (Cash, Recall, Interpretation, Titillation, Interests, Conduct) process to assess media messages
- Features an extensive instructors research package including sample syllabi, test bank, chapter exercises, review questions, and links to media examples
CHAPTER 1: An Introduction to Becoming a Critic
Chapter Preview
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: The Onion and Being a Critic
The Value of Media Analysis Skills
Having an Analytical Toolbox in a Changing Media Environment
Media Ecology: Media Is an Environment
The First Analytical Toolset: Analytic Methods
Comparing Quantitative, Qualitative, and Critical Content Analytic Methods
Qualitative (Interpretive) versus Quantitative (Objective) Content Research: More than Just Counting
Relative Strengths of Each Method
Triangulation
Examples of Triangulation in Recent Media Content Research
The Second Analytical Toolset: Economic, Cultural, and Individual-Level Explanations of Content
Media Economics and Cultural Studies: Who Develops Media Content and Media as Social Control
Uses and Gratifications: Who Uses Media Content and Why
The Third Analytical Toolset: Elements of Media Content Related to Perceptions, Emotions, Learning, and Behavior
Media Content and Internal Processes
Media Content and Behaviors Depicted
History of the Debate Over Media Content and Behavior
Evidence of Very Real Effects? The Case of Mass Shootings
Conclusion
References
Part 1: Introduction to Content Analytic Approaches
CHAPTER 2: Objective Approaches to Analyzing Media Content
Chapter Preview
Defining Quantitative Content Analysis
What Is Quantitative Content Analysis?
The Main Assumptions of Quantitative Content Analysis
Quantification in Media Analysis and Criticism
The Scope of Quantification: Descriptive Analysis
The Importance of Coding in Quantification
Methods of Conducting Quantitative Content Analysis
Formulation of Study
Coder Training and Reliability
Data Analysis
Writing Up the Results
Examples of Quantitative Content Analyses of Media Content
Assessment of This Methodology
Advantages of Quantification
Disadvantages of Quantification
Conclusions
References
CHAPTER 3: Qualitative Approaches to Analyzing Media Content
Chapter Review
Defining Qualitative Content Analysis
What Qualitative Content Analysis Is
Why Qualitative Content Analysis Is a Valuable Skill
What Qualitative Content Analysis Involves
Collect and Transcribe Your Data
Identify Categories
Methods for Finding Categories or Themes in Media Content
Grounded Conventional Analysis: Creating Categories and Discovering Themes
Directed Content Analysis: Qualitative Analysis Based on Theory
Summative Content Analysis: Start with Quantitative Analysis
Coding
Organize Your Notes
Taxonomic Approaches
Componential Approaches
Interpret Themes / Categories and Describe Patterns
Example Qualitative Content Analyses of Media Content
Examples of Directed Content Analysis for Several Concepts Covered in the Book
Examples of Conventional Content Analysis
Examples of Summative Analysis
Example of Constant Comparison as a Coding Technique
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 4: Critical Approaches to Analyzing Media Content
Chapter Preview
Defining Critical Analysis
Why Critical Analysis Is a Valuable Skill
The Process of Conducting a Critical Analysis
Critical Approaches to Media Content
Rhetorical Approach
Social Approach
Cultural Approach
Methods of Critical Analysis
Consider the Authorship of the Message: Auteur Criticism
Consider the Type of Message: Genre
Consider the Structure of the Message: Dramatism, Narratives, Visuals, and Production
Analyze the Persuasive Elements of the Message: Identification, Guilt, Ideology, Social Class, and Gender
Conclusion: Evaluating Critical Approaches
Elements of Quality Critical Essays
Example Critical Essays
Potential Pitfalls of Critical Analysis
References
Part 2: Background on Media Companies and Media Users
CHAPTER 5: Cash: The Money is the Message
Chapter Preview
Introduction
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: News Corp.
Media Economics
Media Consolidation
Media Regulation
Convergence
Regulation of Media Content
Copyright
Free Speech
Defamation
Hate Speech and Incitement
Obscenity
Cultural Studies
Ideological Content: Our Consumer Culture
Ideological Content: Implicit Racism, Classism, Sexism, and Heterosexism
Cultural Studies vs. Media Economics
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 6: Reasons: Different Media Content Fulfills Different Needs for Different People
Chapter Preview
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: The Bachelor
Motives for Media Use
Overview of Uses and Gratifications Theory
Motives Typologies: Communication Choices Are Goal-directed and Purposeful
Typologies of Media Use
Motives, Audience Activity, and Effects
Confounding Variables: Many Social and Psychological Factors Mediate Choices
Personality
Situation
Motives and Gratifications by Genre: Some Examples
News
Websites
Social Networks
Politics
Reality TV
Soap Operas and Diversion
Situation Comedies and Satire
Sports and Fandom
A Critic’s View: Hooking the User
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: Fans and Fanatics
Closing
References
Part 3: Elements of Media Content: Perception and Values, Emotions, Information, and Behavior
CHAPTER 7: Interpretation: Perceptions and Values Taught in Media Content
Chapter Preview
Introduction
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: “Don’t read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly”
Television Production, Perceived Realism, and Implications for Perception
Defining Realism
Cultivation Theory: A Mainstreamed, Mean World
Overview of Cultivation Analysis
Cultivation Case-in-Point: Crime Dramas
The Mean World Syndrome
Mainstreaming
Limitations and Explanations of the Cultivation Effect
Narrative Analysis: The Critical Study of Stories in the Media
Plot
Characters
Setting
Example Narrative Analysis: The Break-Up
Ideological Analysis: The Critical Study of the Beliefs and Values in Media Content
Key Concepts for Conducting Ideological Criticism
Process for Conducting an Ideological Analysis
Comparing Ideological and Narrative Analysis with Cultivation Analysis
Our Obsession with Beauty and Youth: Depictions of Women in Media Content
The Thin Ideal
Social Comparison
Reflected Appraisals
Self-Discrepancy and Body Image
Our Understanding of Material Success and Professions: Cultural Values and Ideology in Media Content
Consumerism and Materialism
Professions
Our (Mis)perceptions of Others: Stereotypes in Media Content
Socioeconomic Groups
Sex Roles
Homosexuality
Race
Age
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 8: Titillation: Involvement and Emotion in Media Content
Chapter Preview
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: Is Fake News Hurting or Helping Political Discourse in America?
Involvement in Media Content
Involvement During Media Use: Relevance and Usefulness of Content
Involvement Due to Media Characters: Parasocial Interaction and Identification
Parasocial Interaction
Identification
Involvement Due to Media Features: Affinity and Addiction
Media Affinity
Media Addiction
Emotional Content: Frightening Media
Use of Fear in Advertisements
Frightening Entertainment and News Content
Emotional Content: Violent and Pornographic Content
Graphic Violence: Desensitization, Arousal, Excitation Transfer, and Catharsis
Aggression
Pornography
Outcomes of Graphically Violent and Pornographic Media Content
Emotional Content: Humor
Situation Comedies
Emotional Management via Media
Overview of Mood Management Theory
Effects of Messages on Moods
Music
Video Games
TV and Movies
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 9: Information: Learning and Informational Content
Chapter Preview
Introduction
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: Is Barack Obama an American?
Agenda Setting: How the News Primes Issues
Overview of Agenda Setting Theory
Overview of the Chapel Hill Study
Why Agenda Setting Happens: Gatekeeping
Agenda-Setting Effects
The Process of Priming
Agenda Setting in the Era of Internet News and e-Readers
Second-Level Agenda Setting: Framing
Definitions of Framing
Case Study: Pell Grant Cuts Aren’t That Bad
Comparing Agenda Setting and Framing
Types of Frames
Game, Strategy, and Issue Frames: Covering Politics as a Game
Gain vs. Loss Frames
Episodic vs. Thematic Frames
Status Quo Frames
Repercussions of News Content: Factual vs. Perceived Knowledge
The Knowledge Gap
Factual Knowledge
Knowledge Structures
Learning from Entertainment Media
Incidental Learning via Entertainment Media
Entertainment TV for Adults
Educational TV for Children
Critique and Closing
References
CHAPTER 10: Conduct: Behaviors Depicted in Media Content
Chapter Preview
Introduction
A Critic’s Case-in-Point: Condom Legislation in the Pornography Industry
Priming Behaviors
Assumptions of Priming Theory
Research Study: does Advertising Prime Eating Behavior?
Learning New Behaviors: Social Cognitive Theory
Cognitive Processes in SCT
Silencing: Spiral of Silence theory
Assumptions of the Theory
The Role of Media in Spiral of Silence
Case Study: Gay Marriage
What Came First: The Media or the Behavior?
Conclusion
References
CONCLUSION
GLOSSARY
INDEX
Dr. Curnalia is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University. Her background is in media and persuasion theory, which she applies to research American politics, including analysis of advertisements, traditional and “fake” news coverage, and the political messages in entertainment media. You can read Dr. Curnalia’s research in Communication Research Reports, Qualitative Research Reports in Communication, the American Communication Journal, and in recently published books such as Venomous Speech:Problems with American Political Discourse on the Right and Left and Reality TV:Oddities of Culture.
Cary Wecht is Associate Professor and former Chair of the Department of Communication at Youngstown State University, now Associate Dean of the College of Creative Arts and Communication, and YSU Faculty Development Coordinator. She is the author of articles and book chapters on varied topics such as communication and biology, use of media during 9/11, reality television, and business communication. Her research has been published in Communication Quarterly, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and Communication Research Reports.
Dr. Ferris is an Assistant Professor of Communication at The University of Akron Wayne College. She enjoys studying the effects of television on viewers, as well as the impact of new media use, including social networks and mobile phones. Her research has been published in the Journal of Communication, Computers in Human Behavior, and the Ohio Communication Journal as well as in edited books on mobile phone use, the political climate after 9/11, and prosocial behavior on television. Dr. Ferris also enjoys serving as the Assistant Editor for the Ohio Communication Journal as well as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Communication, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and the British Journal of Education, Society, & Behavioural Science.