This annotated bibliography surveys eight foundational texts and articles in the field of mass communication, covering a broad range of subtopics including media effects theory, the psychology of mass communication, the cultural and business dimensions of media, women and minorities in the field, critical communication studies, media distortion and democracy, and the emergence of new media. Each entry provides a concise summary and critical evaluation of the source's strengths and limitations. Together, the sources offer a well-rounded introduction to the major theoretical frameworks, research traditions, and social implications that define contemporary mass communication scholarship.
The following annotated bibliography surveys eight key texts and articles in the field of mass communication, covering media effects theory, the psychology of media, cultural and business dimensions of journalism, gender and minority representation, critical communication studies, and the emergence of new media. Each entry summarizes the source and offers a brief critical evaluation.
Bryant, J. (2008). Media Effects. New York: Routledge Press.
This book aptly examines some of the more pervasive impacts of mass media, while discussing the bulk of the effects arena and offering more focused commentary on mobile media and other technologies. It presents both theory and research in a compelling and meaningful manner, making even the most complex concepts of media theory accessible. One of the book's key strengths is that it offers a social cognitive theory of mass communication along with a description of mass media consumption and perceptions of social reality. The author takes into account the intensive influence that social media has had on traditional media and offers lucid predictions as to how this influence is likely to continue.
Campbell, R. (2011). Media and Culture. New York: MacMillan.
This book succinctly discusses mass media in terms of the cultural landscape, along with the conjunction of sounds and images that make up mass media. One of the strongest pillars of the book is its understanding of how mass media is simultaneously a big business and a form of democratic expression. The author takes a long look at the big business of media and examines how newspapers, news programs, and comparable sources are still selling a product to the public, much like traditional merchant-to-consumer models. Presenting this construct is genuinely beneficial in shedding light on how the media is not always a paragon of accuracy and why it is not always in the media's interest to be so. It demonstrates how the media machine really works and the objectives it pursues. Ultimately, this book offers solid foundational material.
Chang, T. K. (2005). Mass communication research and the invisible college revisited. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 672–694.
Chang takes a more specific approach to the study of communication and examines it within a collegiate context. This focus is valuable because the way in which communication can thrive and subsist within such an environment is important and merits further examination. The purpose of this research is to determine the overall course of the changing arena of mass communication and to assess the contemporary form and content of the invisible college over the past two decades. The research is largely theoretical and does not draw many firm conclusions; a considerable amount of speculation occurs throughout. Ultimately, Chang acknowledges the necessity for further research with a larger sample size. The conclusions about the implications of media within the invisible college are suggestive but ultimately lack concreteness.
Harris, R. J., & Sanborn, S. W. (2013). A Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication. New York: Routledge.
This book aptly examines the way in which basic psychology figures into mass communication and how fundamental psychological principles can be used to sway public opinion. The authors look at the distortion present in social mirrors and how emotion can be effectively harnessed to influence public discourse. The book offers a strong foundation in the psychological strategies that underscore the bulk of media tactics. For instance, it discusses the use of fear in the media and how fear-mongering has long been harnessed as a means of capturing public attention. The book also devotes a chapter to the influence of sexuality and sensuality in the media and how these can serve as powerful tools. Overall, it touches on many of the major arenas of influence in mass communication.
Creedon, P. J. (2007). Women in Mass Communication. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
"Creedon on feminism and gender in mass media"
"Hardt on critical theory and media distortion of democracy"
"Hirst on new media history and ethical governance"
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