Media Effects ─ Advances in Theory and Research

Meant as a reference or textbook for advanced courses in media effects, this volume contains 27 essays that discuss theories and research in the field. Bryant (broadcasting, U. of Alabama) and new co-editor Oliver (film/video and media studies, Penn State U.) compile essays that consider cultivation analysis, media priming, social cognitive theory, theories of persuasion, political communication effects, how the news shapes civic agenda, violence and sex in the media, racial and ethnic stereotyping, education television and interactive media for children, the effects of media on marketing communication and public and personal health, and other topics. Contributors hail from universities mostly in the US. This edition includes updated material and eight new chapters on the effects of mobile media and other technologies, framing, civic participation, psychophysiology, sex-role stereotyping, eating disorders and body image, video and computer gaming, and the internet. It also presents new ways of analyzing media effects. Three chapters have been omitted. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Jennings Bryant is CIS Distinguished Research Professor, holder of the Reagan Endowed Chair of Broadcasting, and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research at the University of Alabama. He received the university’s Blackmon-Moody Outstanding Professor Award for 2000 and was President of the International Communication Association in 2002-2003. In 2006 he received a Distinguished Scholar Award from the Broadcast Education Association and was elected a Fellow of the International Communication Association.

Mary Beth Oliver is a Professor in the department of Film/Video & Media Studies at Penn State University. She served as associated editor for the Journal of Communication and Communication Theory, and is currently serving as co-editor of Media Psychology. She was the recipient of the Alumni Teaching Award at Virginia Tech, and was awarded a Fulbright to conduct research in New Zealand in 2006.