Reviews the conceptual position of agenda-setting research, identifies methodological problems associated with it, and proposes a newly defined criterion variable--the "problematic situation"--as a cognitive approach to the metaphor that mass media tells people "what to think about." (SR)

Summarizes the literature examining the association between acceptance of rape myths and exposure to pornography. States that nonexperimental methodology shows that exposure to pornography does not increase rape myth acceptance, while experimental studies show that exposure to pornography increases rape myth acceptance. Concludes that experimental…

Even though Italian researchers in general agree that communication research is in a state of crisis, they differ in what they perceive to be the sources of the crisis and the way it should be resolved. (PD)

Examines the origins of social science assumptions about gender, gender research, and the major research approaches to gender provided by feminist theories. Argues that gender should be seen as a verb indicating how individuals construct and maintain particular gender systems. Claims that this conception of gender represents a starting point for…

Reviews the progress of mass media effects research since the 1930s. (PD)

Takes a backward glance at the state of communication research and outlines tasks for the future: (1) strengthen evidence, (2) synthesize findings, and (3) translate results into terms of policy relevance. (PD)

Discusses developments in the field of mass communications over the last 10 years. Suggests that old polarities have been finally transcended or deconstructed and that a new set of questions is emerging which concern a range of particular issues and processes rather than generalities expressed in terms of the now untenable categories of viewer,…