Media Credibility and the Spiral of Silence.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Media Credibility and the Spiral of Silence.
Language: English
Authors: Lee, Hye-ryeon
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 37
Publication Date: 1989
Document Type: Opinion Papers
Reports - Research
Speeches/Meeting Papers
Descriptors: Conflict Resolution, Credibility, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Factor Analysis, Foreign Countries, Interpersonal Communication, Interviews, Mass Media Effects, Mass Media Role, Media Research, Public Opinion, Social Influences
Geographic Terms: South Korea
Abstract: The Spiral of Silence theory (Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, l973) suggests that highly consonant media content has a strong impact upon individuals' perception of the opinion climate as well as upon their opinion expression. Noting that the theory lacks empirical investigation, a study took advantage of a controlled media system in Cheongju, South Korea to examine the theory. Personal interviews of a cross-sectional sample of 287 adults were conducted covering a wide range of topics: interpersonal communication and mass media use, opinions, perceptions of opinion distribution on two social issues, and various demographic questions. Findings suggest that the consonance of media content and the influence of the mass media upon public opinion may have a curvilinear relationship. That is, as the degree of perceived consonance of media content increases, the media influence upon an individual's perception increases to a certain degree; however, if the degree of consonance exceeds the limit and if individuals notice a high amount of consonance, the influence of mass media on perception may become minimal again. (Six tables of data are included, and 34 references are attached.) (NH)
Entry Date: 1989
Accession Number: ED308561
Database: ERIC
Be the first to leave a comment!
You must be logged in first