Argues that the plurality of tensions among the commodified market economy and more heroic traditional norms of excellence engendered "social dramas" in the presentation of the 1984 Winter Olympic games. Applies Turner's narrative phases of social drama in order to appreciate the moments of rhetorical urgency and reflective possibility within the…

Purposes a semiotic model for analyzing messages of the cinematic medium in film and television, and demonstrates its applicability to the study of children's comprehension of these messages. Highlights include the effects of visual and temporal features on comprehension; film and photography; and cognitive-developmental factors in comprehension.…

Discusses reasons for the failure of educational television (ETV) projects in various countries. Topics discussed include the Centre for Educational Television Overseas (CETO); the Multinational Project in Educational Technology; problems with television and video technology; management and planning; research; the role of visual learning; and…

Considers the linguistic choices of candidates in the 1992 presidential election debates as intending to display presidential character and as suggestive of an ability to satisfy voters' needs. Analyzes the three candidates' dimensions of perceived character and ability to address needs. (HB)

Describes why televised vice presidential debates are worthy of more sustained study. Identifies five purposes of vice presidential debates. Examines critically the 1992 vice presidential debate in light of these purposes. Considers the debate format's effects and the argument strategies of the participants. (HB)

Addresses the nonuse and misuse of sound when designing instruction using educational technology and presents the Structured Sound Functions (SSF) Model to improve sound attribute research and scriptwriting guidelines. The preference for visual interfaces is discussed, including educational television (ETV), and the creation of sound-image…

Surveys 135 primary researchers at newspapers to see how they perceived job opportunities in newspaper research for JMC master's graduates and qualifications necessary for employment. Reports that more than 80 percent responded that job prospects would be good in the near future; respondents recommend a JMC program emphasizing a social science…

Discusses factors that influence learners' preconceptions of television, the mental effort they invest in processing a video-based lesson, and their achievement. The effects on mental effort and achievement of characteristics of media, the task, and the learners are addressed; and recommendations for future research are offered. (Contains 42…

Offers a historical analysis of continuity and change in China's media reform. Discusses the interaction among ideologies, structure, and operation as well as reform's relationship to the political economy. Shows that the present reform has had the unintended effect of liberalizing China's media system, which contributes to the further erosion of…

Examines the development of mass media in China since 1949. Suggests that the rapid growth of television at a time when China is experiencing its fastest economic growth may indicate a mutual reinforcing relationship. Argues that television and entertainment may play an important role in economic growth since they may help build consensus and…

Discusses different points of view about the impact of media on learning, motivation, and efficiency gains from instruction. The author's arguments about research and theory of media effects are summarized; reactions to the claim that media do not influence learning are characterized; and responses are given to Robert Kozma's specific criticisms…

Presents evidence of the demise of Libertarianism in the U.S. mass media system and proposes an "elite power group" model as an alternative explanation of the working of the mass media in the United States. (MG)

Tests social cognitive hypotheses that self-efficacy can be enhanced more effectively by symbolically modeling risk reduction information and by encouraging its cognitive rehearsal than by the presentation of risk reduction alone. Confirms hypotheses at both posttest and follow-up. (PA)

Examines the process of media supplementation in the Stanford Five-City Multifactor Risk Reduction Project, a long-term trial of communitywide cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Indicates that accessible awareness media disseminated early in the education campaign promoted use of information-rich depth media later. Suggests that information…

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,…