Applies schema theory (assimilation, accommodation, and medium) to the processes associated with learning from the news media. Finds subjects given consistent information most willing to make inferences, with those receiving inconsistent information more likely to remember more facts. Finds that mode of presentation has little effect. (SR)

Examines the cultural content of advertisements in two superficially similar countries (Great Britain and the United States). Finds U.S. advertising portraying characters in more "individualistic" stances, with social class differences more evident in British advertising. Maintains that advertising should adapt to individual cultural…

Uses path analysis to investigate a model of agenda-setting. Supports the model, showing that, if individuals perceive the media to be highly credible, they will rely on the media for information, will increase their exposure to media messages and in turn will become more susceptible to agenda-setting. (SR)

Finds that providing respondents with the more specific and recent time period results in significantly lower overall reports of usage across a variety of media. Suggests the potential atypicality of the narrower time period, which might adversely affect the validity of responses, is not a serious concern. (RS)

Contributes to scholarship on sexual content and gender portrayals in advertising by assessing images of women and men in magazine ads in 1983 and 1993. Finds both genders were portrayed more explicitly and through more sexually intimate contact in 1993; images of men were more explicit in the 1990s; and portrayals were most explicit in women's…

Finds that (1) animated banner ads (display advertisements hyperlinked to an advertiser's Web site) result in quicker response and better recall (from college students) than non-animated banner ads; (2) larger banner ads lead to better comprehension and more clicks than small banner ads; and (3) user mode (information seeking or Web surfing) did…

On-site minisurveys and mail follow-up of 141 visitors to wilderness areas of Angeles National Forest (California) found greater ethnic diversity than in other wildernesses. Results for Anglo and Hispanic respondents are reported concerning contact with the Forest Service, other sources of information about the forest, information media…

Reports on a study into the scope of an anti-discrimination campaign among Dutch municipal officials in a large city. Notes that a questionnaire was completed by 698 people, asking whether there were any high-risk groups of officials who held intolerant, ethnocentric prejudices. Appears that the lowest-salaried men agreed with ethnocentric…

Examines effectiveness of public information officers transmitting policy actors' frames through the media (six major newspapers) to the public during the 1991-92 silicone breast implant controversy that involved a major corporation, the medical community, and citizens' activist groups. Finds that the medical community's frame occurred most…

Examines four commonalities of media education in the United States. Outlines the four ideological perspectives that in fact guide media education in the United States: celebration, protectionism, cultural criticism, and educated consumerism. Suggests what all of this means for the future of media education in the United States and what will be…

Contributes to rhetorical scholarship on political discourse by surveying Web sites relevant to the 1996 presidential campaign. Argues that parodic sites sought to entertain the reader and to expose candidates' questionable or deceptive practices but that they themselves engaged in deception. Argues that they provided the illusion of political…

Contributes to research on political communication by examining how 1996 GOP presidential candidates framed themselves in press releases and how elite newspapers covered them. Shows that candidate images were distinct in press releases and news stories; candidate positions were represented differently in both; and candidates were differentially…

Integrates several mainstream research approaches to new media diffusion to explore the potential strengths and weaknesses of each. Investigates factors influencing multimedia cable service adoption interest, including demographic variables, existing media-use patterns, and personality traits such as "innovativeness." (SR)

Reviews the use of media comparison studies in the field of educational technology, argues that they are weak and inappropriate, and recommends a new focus on the issues of instructional methods and learner characteristics. Discusses intra-medium studies and aptitude treatment interaction studies as better alternatives. (LRW)

Argues that the 1992 presidential election campaign was the first to employ nontraditional news media such as talk shows as a prevalent form of campaign communication for the candidates. Outlines the format of the study. Documents the impact of nontraditional news media on the campaign efforts for each candidate. (PA)