Introduction to Media and Communication Theory

Ask Prof. Rachel

22 Sept 202109:55

Summary

TLDRProfessor Rachel Ikan introduces the fundamentals of communication and media theories, emphasizing the distinction between guessing, hypothesizing, and theorizing. She explains communication as the process of meaning generation through symbols and media as tools for information exchange. The lecture delves into the functions of mass media, including information, interpretation, instruction, bonding, and diversion, highlighting the importance of understanding these functions to develop and apply communication theories in research.

Takeaways

📚 A theory is a well-thought-out explanation for natural world observations, constructed using the scientific method, which involves gathering evidence and making experiments.
🔍 The distinction between 'guessing' and forming a 'hypothesis' is clarified, with the latter being based on limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
💬 Communication is defined as the process of generating meaning through the exchange of verbal and non-verbal symbols, influenced by various contexts.
📡 Media refers to the channels or tools used to transmit information or carry out conversations to a wide audience, which includes both electronic and face-to-face methods.
🌐 The mass media serves general functions such as providing information, interpretation, instruction, bonding, and diversion, which are essential for society.
🚫 The information function of media is challenged by the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the era of social media.
🗞️ The interpretation function of media, especially news media, involves explaining and making sense of current events for audiences in a limited time or space.
📚 The instructive function of media is highlighted with examples like the History Channel and National Geographic, which educate viewers about history, culture, and arts.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The bonding function of media is exemplified by shared viewing experiences and discussions, which foster communication and connection among individuals.
🎭 The diversion function of media is discussed, showing how it provides an escape from reality through entertainment such as comedies, dramas, and variety shows.
🎓 The course's goal is to understand the role of theory in communication and mass media studies, to apply these theories in research, and to build a research framework.

Q & A

What is the difference between a guess and a hypothesis according to Professor Rachel Ikan?
-A guess is a conclusion or opinion given without sufficient information or evidence of its correctness, whereas a hypothesis is a supposition made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
What is the definition of a theory as explained by Professor Ikan?
-A theory is a careful thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world that has been constructed using the scientific method, which includes gathering evidence, making experiments, and observing nature.
What is the role of theories in explaining natural phenomena?
-Theories explain the 'how' and 'why' something functions the way it does, bringing together many facts in hypotheses.
What is the process of communication as described in the script?
-Communication is the process of generating meaning by sending and receiving verbal and non-verbal symbols and signs that are influenced by multiple contexts.
How does Professor Ikan define media in the context of communication?
-Media is defined as the channels or tools by which information is sent, or conversations are carried out, including electronic and face-to-face communication.
What are the general functions of mass media according to the script?
-The general functions of mass media include serving information, interpretation, instructive, bonding, and diversion functions.
What is the information function of mass media and the problem it faces with social media?
-The information function is about satisfying curiosity, reducing uncertainty, and helping understand how we fit into the world. The problem it faces with social media is the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation.
Can you explain the interpretation function of media as mentioned in the script?
-The interpretation function is mainly by information media such as news media, where they try to explain what is happening in the world and how current events fit into their reporting.
What is the instructive function of media and how does it serve the audience?
-The instructive function is the educational aspect of media, providing information about our past, culture, and arts through channels like the History Channel, National Geographic, and Discovery.
How does the bonding function of media work in our daily lives?
-The bonding function works through shared experiences, such as watching Netflix together as a family or discussing news or books with siblings, which helps improve communication and form bonds.
What is the diversion function of media and why is it important?
-The diversion function is the use of media to escape harsh realities and lighten the burden of everyday struggles, such as watching comedies, K-dramas, or telenovelas to save us from boredom.
What is the goal of the course on communication and media theories?
-The goal is to understand the role of theory in communication and mass media studies, familiarize with various communication media theories, apply these theories in understanding and analyzing communication and media situations, and learn to use them for building a research framework.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Communication and Media Theories

Professor Rachel Ikan introduces the concept of theory in the context of communication and media studies. She clarifies that a theory is not merely a guess or hypothesis but a well-thought-out explanation based on the scientific method, which involves gathering evidence, conducting experiments, and observing nature. Theories aim to explain the 'how' and 'why' behind phenomena. Communication is defined as the process of generating meaning through the exchange of verbal and non-verbal symbols, influenced by various contexts. Media, on the other hand, refers to the channels or tools used to transmit information to a wide audience. The professor emphasizes that theories often relate to the functions of media, which include information, interpretation, instructive, bonding, and diversion functions. These functions will be further explored through specific media theories during the course.

05:00

🌐 The Functions of Mass Media in Society

The second paragraph delves into the specific functions of mass media in society, highlighting the challenges and roles of media in various aspects of life. The information function addresses the need for accurate information to satisfy curiosity and reduce uncertainty, but also acknowledges the rise of misinformation and disinformation, particularly through social media. The interpretation function is performed by news media, which attempts to make sense of current events and present them in a digestible format. The instructive function educates audiences through channels like the History Channel and National Geographic, summarizing historical and cultural knowledge. The bonding function describes how media can bring people together, whether through shared viewing experiences or discussions of news and social media content. Lastly, the diversion function allows individuals to escape reality through entertainment, such as comedies and dramas, providing a form of relief from daily struggles. The goal of the course is to understand the role of theory in communication and mass media studies, to apply these theories in research, and to build a research framework using communication and media theories.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Theory

A theory is a well-structured explanation for observations of the natural world, constructed using the scientific method, which includes gathering evidence, conducting experiments, and observing nature. In the context of the video, theory is distinguished from a guess or hypothesis, which may be based on limited evidence. The video emphasizes that theories explain the 'how' and 'why' behind phenomena, which is central to understanding communication and media.

💡Communication

Communication refers to the process of generating meaning through the exchange of verbal and non-verbal symbols and signs, influenced by various contexts. The video script illustrates communication as a social interaction that can occur through messages, either electronically or face-to-face. It is integral to the theme as it forms the basis for discussing communication theories.

💡Media

Media is defined as the channels or tools used to send information or carry out conversations. The script mentions that media is something we use daily, from the moment we wake up to when we go to bed. It is a tool for storing, processing, and transmitting information to a wide audience, which is essential in understanding media theories.

💡Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, based on limited evidence, which serves as a starting point for further investigation. In the script, the professor uses the example of supposing that the internet might malfunction because of rain, highlighting the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.

💡Information Function

The information function of media is to satisfy the need for information, reducing uncertainty and aiding in understanding the world. The script discusses the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the age of social media, which is a critical issue related to the information function.

💡Interpretation Function

The interpretation function is primarily carried out by news media, which attempts to explain current events and make sense of the world for audiences. The video script mentions how news media must make choices and analyses to determine what is most important for the audience to know.

💡Instructive Function

The instructive function of media refers to its educational role, such as channels like the History Channel or National Geographic, which provide summaries of historical events and cultural knowledge in a condensed format. This function is highlighted in the script as a way media contributes to learning.

💡Bonding Function

The bonding function of media is experiential and involves using media to connect with others, such as watching Netflix together as a family or discussing news or books. The script illustrates this function as a way to enhance communication and form bonds, especially in times when face-to-face meetings are not possible.

💡Diversion Function

The diversion function of media is its ability to provide an escape from reality, often through entertainment such as comedies, dramas, or shows. The script mentions this function as a way to lighten the burden of everyday struggles and save people from boredom.

💡Research Framework

A research framework is a structured approach to conducting research, which includes the application of theories to guide the investigation. The video script emphasizes the importance of understanding communication and media theories for building a research framework, which is crucial for analyzing communication and media situations.

Highlights

A theory is defined as a careful thought-out explanation for observations of the natural world, constructed using the scientific method.

The difference between guessing and hypothesizing is explained, with an example of making conclusions without sufficient evidence.

Hypothesis is based on limited evidence and serves as a starting point for further investigation.

Communication is described as the process of generating meaning through the exchange of verbal and non-verbal symbols.

Media is defined as the channels or tools used to send information or carry out conversations.

Mass media serves general functions such as information, interpretation, bonding, and diversion.

The information function of mass media is challenged by the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the age of social media.

The interpretation function of media, particularly news media, involves explaining current events and making editorial choices.

The instructive function of media is exemplified by educational channels that summarize historical and cultural knowledge.

The bonding function of media is illustrated through shared experiences and discussions, enhancing communication within groups.

The diversion function of media is discussed as a means to escape harsh realities and alleviate boredom through entertainment.

The goal of the course is to understand the role of theory in communication and mass media studies and to apply these theories in research.

Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with various communication media theories for future research applications.

The course aims to provide a working knowledge of how to apply communication and media theories for analyzing communication situations.

Learning the basics of using communication and media theories for building a research framework is a key objective of the course.

The importance of understanding the theoretical contributions and practical applications in communication and media theories is emphasized.

The course will explore specific media theories that explain how media functions and their impact on society.