Knowledge and Skills
Key Knowledge
- the influence of both the media and audiences
- arguments, evidence and ideas to explain contemporary media influence and audience agency
Key Skill
- analyse and evaluate the extent of the influence of the media and audiences
- analyse contemporary evidence, arguments and ideas to explain the influence of media and agency of audiences
Key terms and concepts
- influence: the ability to have an effect on the development, thought or behaviour of someone
- extent: the extent of influence is how much influence
- influence is often framed by different media influence theories - which are different ways of thinking about how the media or audiences behave when interacting with media.
- when discussing influence you will need to link it back to some kind of evidence. This could include a case study, some research or some media usage data.
- It's important to realise that it is very hard to prove influence - and that research and case studies have strengths and weaknesses
Example questions
Past Exam QuestionsSessions
How do we measure media influence?
How do we measure media influence?
Explore different types of evidence used when exploring media influence and their strengths and weaknesses.
How Frederic Wertham ruined comics for everyone
How Frederic Wertham ruined comics for everyone
Explore the research done by Frederic Wertham into the negative effects on media inflluence.
Are Video Games good or bad for you?
Are Video Games good or bad for you?
Explore research into the negative and positive effects of video games.
Is FOMO a real thing?
Is FOMO a real thing?
Explore research into the supposed effects of FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out.
Ways of thinking about your relationship with the media
Ways of thinking about your relationship with the media
Explore different theories of media communications
Are you in a Parasocial Relationship?
Are you in a Parasocial Relationship?
Explore what a parasocial relationship is.
When does the audience have influence over the media?
When does the audience have influence over the media?
Explore examples when the audience has had an effect over the media.
Resources
Facebook says post that cast doubt on covid-19 vaccine was most popular on the platform from January through March - The Washington Post
BBC Sounds - Original Pilot Material...from The Social, Series 3: Gaming, GAMING: The Positive Power of Gaming On Our Minds
A Facebook ad boycott has cost Mark Zuckerberg $72 billion. But will it make any difference? - ABC News
How readers play a vital role in shaping the Guardian's coronavirus content | Coronavirus outbreak | The Guardian