A great deal of scholarly work has explored the motivations behind media consumption and other various communication traits. However, little research has investigated the sources of these motivations and virtually no research considers their potential genetic underpinnings. Drawing on the field of behavior genetics, we use a classical twin design…

The risk convergence model proposes reduction of perceived social distance to a mediated personality as a mechanism through which the mass media can influence audiences' personal risk perceptions. As an initial test of the model, this study examined whether 5 audience variables known to facilitate media effects on personal risk…

In the theoretical framework of dynamic motivational activation, this study reveals the dynamics of antimarijuana public service announcement (PSA) processing, especially the processing of co-occurring positive and negative content. It specifies the important role of endogenous feedback dynamics of the information processing system and teases them…

Web-based media often present multiple sources of influence, such as mass media and peers, within one interface. When individuals identify with peers who are visually anonymous and with whom they do not directly interact, they should be susceptible to social influence from that group. This study examined the interplay among antimarijuana public…

This research explores a sequence of effects pertaining to the influence of relational goals on online information seeking, the use of information and arguments as relational management strategies in computer-mediated chat, and the intrapersonal attitude change resulting from these processes. Affinity versus disaffinity goals affected…

Inoculation messages employed in past studies have been consistently preventative. Yet, if inoculation strategies are to be used in mass media campaigns, researchers need to know what the effects will be on all audience members--not just those known to support a message sponsor's position. A 3-phase experiment was conducted involving 558…

This study relied on telephone survey interviews of adults in two U.S. metropolitan areas to examine whether the relationship between mass media use and social capital varies according to ethnicity. A multigroup approach taken with structural equation modeling validates a four-factor model of social capital for Blacks and Whites and then, with the…

Examines the ways in which individuals' perceptions of media use are influenced by others. Explains that three recent theories--critical mass theory, social influence model of media use, and adaptive structuration theory--suggest that individuals' perceptions of media emerge as a result of their interaction with others. Reports on a study that…

Describes a study that tested whether the accessibility of information in memory mediates the cultivation effect (the effect of television viewing on social perceptions), consistent with the availability heuristic. Shows that heavy viewers gave higher frequency estimates (cultivation effect) and responded faster (accessibility effect) than did…

Examines the effect of priming negative stereotypic and positive counter-stereotypic portrayals of African Americans and women on interpretations of actual media events. Shows that a counter-stereotypic portrayal of an African American male led participants to make more external or situational attributions of responsibility to other African…

Reports on a study conducted to assess the effectiveness of two strategies, both involving desensitization, for reducing grade-school children's emotional reactions to mass media. Finds that while both strategies reduced emotional reactions, only the rehearsed explanation altered children's conceptions of the dangerous object. (SR)

Presents results of a study of the effects on viewers of the first presidential debate in the 1992 election. Compares audience perception of candidates' image with audience gain of issue knowledge. Shows that viewers learned a lot about candidates' issue positions. Claims that Ross Perot's image improved. (HB)

Outlines four factors that account for the relative lack of integration between mass communication and interpersonal communication researchers. Cites several forces that support segregation of the two research areas, yet notes that the recent turn to cognitive explanations of communication in both fields may create the climate for meaningful…

Reviews the importance of intercoder agreement for content analysis in mass communication research. Describes several indices for calculating this type of reliability (varying in appropriateness, complexity, and apparent prevalence of use). Presents a content analysis of content analyses reported in communication journals to establish how…

Addresses two aspects of disciplinary identity in the communication field--self-concept and academic standing. Discusses various forces that contributed to the fragmentation of the discipline. (MM)