ResearchMethods: History of Media Theory: Timeline (W4-P3) Sp18

Earlier we defined theory as an explanation of how or why something works.

We've also discussed the relationship between theory and research. Researchers generally test theories, find support for theories or not.

Now, let's turn our focus specifically to media-related theories and let's start with a brief historical overview.




If the timeline is not showing above for you, the History of Media Theory timeline can be also be found at this link.

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ResearchMethods: Introducing Thomas Kuhn and the Paradigms (W4-P2) Sp18

Along with a general discussion of theory, another related concept you sometimes see is the concept of a paradigm.

Q: What is a paradigm?
A: Oh, about 20 cents.

But seriously, what is a paradigm and what is the relationship to theory and research?

Let's get a general introduction to the concept of a paradigm and also the person who greatly developed it, Thomas Kuhn.



Ans so, what is Kuhn's concepts of paradigm and paradigm shift?

While not as visually appealing, let's also take a quick look at this informative description of Kuhn and his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.




Kuhn's theory of scientific development can be used to understand the history of communication study and specific sub-fields within the discipline of communication.

For example see:
Rogers, E. M. & Hart, W. B. (2002). The histories of intercultural, development, and international communication. In W. B. Gudykunst and B. Moody (Eds.), Handbook of International and Intercultural Communication, 2nd Edition (pp. 1-18). Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications.

Kuhn's ideas have also been used to tell paradigmatic history of agenda-setting theory.

Rogers, E. M., Hart, W. B. & Dearing, J. W. (1997). A paradigmatic history of agenda-setting research. In S. Iyengar & R. Reeves (Eds.). Do the Media Govern?: Politicians, Voters, and Reporters in America (pp. 225-236). Thousand Oaks: CA, Sage Publications.

Before reading the agenda-setting chapter, it may be helpful to get a good grasp of the basics of agenda-setting theory.



Did you spot the parts of paradigmatic history just in this short video?


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ResearchMethods: Theories, Theory of Evolution and Flat-Earth (W4-P1) Sp18

We've talked previously about what a theory is.  We've defined it as an explanation of how or why something works.

For our discussion of communication theory let's start with a basic definition of the word theory and a common example from biology and we'll mix in a little flat-earth theory as well.

One of the best explanations of biological evolution and the mechanism that drives evolution is found in Carl Sagan's Cosmos video series which was based on the book Cosmos. In the following video Sagan describes the process of artificial selection.  As you are watching this clip from Cosmos, be sure to identify and be able to explain the mechanism that drives evolution.

Let's start first in Japan some time ago and the story of a drowned boy-emperor, a small crab and the idea of artificial selection.  Notice how theory and theory building starts with an observation of something in the world and then asking asking how and why.  How's that work?  Why does that happen?  That is, it starts with a little curiosity.







In this short clip the process is explained in a different way. Slow the process down and catch each step. It starts with organisms vary.






Flat-Earth Theory

Now let's move to a different kind of theory, a theory that explains the world and our place in it by saying the Earth is flat, not round.  What are your initial reactions to that idea?

This may lead to the idea that there are good theories and bad theories, better explanations of the world we observe and not so good explanations.  How does one judge theories?  How does one critique?

Let's go back to Dr. Sagan and see how he approaches the flat earth theory.



Dr. Sagan was a famous science communicator often appearing on TV from the 1970s to the 1990s to explain scientific concepts.

Let's update things now.  Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson follows in Dr. Sagan's footsteps as today's famous science communicator.  You may have seen Dr. Tyson on TV or on the web.

Dr. Tyson offers his critique of the flat-earth theory.



How did he critique the flat earth theory?  How do you judge a theory?

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MassMedia: History of Media Theory: Timeline (W3-P3) Fa16

Earlier we defined theory as an explanation of how or why something works.

We've also discussed the relationship between theory and research. Researchers generally test theories, find support for theories or not.

Now, let's turn our focus specifically to media-related theories and let's start with a brief historical overview.




If the timeline is not showing above for you, the History of Media Theory timeline can be also be found at this link.

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MassMedia: Introducing Thomas Kuhn and the Paradigms (W3-P2) Fa16

Along with a general discussion of theory, another related concept you sometimes see is the concept of a paradigm.

Q: What is a paradigm?
A: Oh, about 20 cents.

But seriously, what is a paradigm and what is the relationship to theory and research?

Let's get a general introduction to the concept of a paradigm and also the person who greatly developed it, Thomas Kuhn.



Ans so, what is Kuhn's concepts of paradigm and paradigm shift?

While not as visually appealing, let's also take a quick look at this informative description of Kuhn and his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.




Kuhn's theory of scientific development can be used to understand the history of communication study and specific sub-fields within the discipline of communication.

For example see:
Rogers, E. M. & Hart, W. B. (2002). The histories of intercultural, development, and international communication. In W. B. Gudykunst and B. Moody (Eds.), Handbook of International and Intercultural Communication, 2nd Edition (pp. 1-18). Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications.

Kuhn's ideas have also been used to tell paradigmatic history of agenda-setting theory.

Rogers, E. M., Hart, W. B. & Dearing, J. W. (1997). A paradigmatic history of agenda-setting research. In S. Iyengar & R. Reeves (Eds.). Do the Media Govern?: Politicians, Voters, and Reporters in America (pp. 225-236). Thousand Oaks: CA, Sage Publications.

Before reading the agenda-setting chapter, it may be helpful to get a good grasp of the basics of agenda-setting theory.

Did you spot the parts of paradigmatic history just in this short video?

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Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MassMedia: Theories and the Theory of Evolution (W3-P1) Fa16

For our discussion of mass media theory let's start with a basic definition of the word theory and a common example from biology.

A theory is an explanation for how something works, how something happens. 

To get a good grasp of what a theory is, let's start by looking at a theory from the field of biology

One of the best explanations of biological evolution and the mechanism that drives evolution is found in Carl Sagan's Cosmos video series which was based on the book Cosmos. In the following video Sagan describes the process of artificial selection.  As you are watching this clip from Cosmos, be sure to identify and be able to explain the mechanism that drives evolution.

Let's start first in Japan some time ago and the story of a drowned boy-emperor, a small crab and the idea of artificial selection.







In this short clip the process is explained in a different way. Slow the process down and catch each step. It starts with organisms vary.

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

ResearchMethods: History of Media Theory: Timeline (W4-P3) Sp16

Earlier we defined theory as an explanation of how or why something works.

We've also discussed the relationship between theory and research. Researchers generally test theories, find support for theories or not.

Now, let's turn our focus specifically to media-related theories and let's start with a brief historical overview.




If the timeline is not showing above for you, the History of Media Theory timeline can be also be found at this link.

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

ResearchMethods: Introducing Thomas Kuhn and the Paradigms (W4-P2) Sp16

Along with a general discussion of theory, another related concept you sometimes see is the concept of a paradigm.

Q: What is a paradigm?
A: Oh, about 20 cents.

But seriously, what is a paradigm and what is the relationship to theory and research?

Let's get a general introduction to the concept of a paradigm and also the person who greatly developed it, Thomas Kuhn.



Ans so, what is Kuhn's concepts of paradigm and paradigm shift?

While not as visually appealing, let's also take a quick look at this informative description of Kuhn and his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.




Kuhn's theory of scientific development can be used to understand the history of communication study and specific sub-fields within the discipline of communication.

For example see:
Rogers, E. M. & Hart, W. B. (2002). The histories of intercultural, development, and international communication. In W. B. Gudykunst and B. Moody (Eds.), Handbook of International and Intercultural Communication, 2nd Edition (pp. 1-18). Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications.

Kuhn's ideas have also been used to tell paradigmatic history of agenda-setting theory.

Rogers, E. M., Hart, W. B. & Dearing, J. W. (1997). A paradigmatic history of agenda-setting research. In S. Iyengar & R. Reeves (Eds.). Do the Media Govern?: Politicians, Voters, and Reporters in America (pp. 225-236). Thousand Oaks: CA, Sage Publications.

Before reading the agenda-setting chapter, it may be helpful to get a good grasp of the basics of agenda-setting theory.



Did you spot the parts of paradigmatic history just in this short video?

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

ResearchMethods: Theories and the Theory of Evolution (W4-P1) Sp16

The previous video clip introduced us to the life of Darwin and some of some of his key evolutionary concepts (e.g., natural selection and artificial selection).

We've talked previously about what a theory is.  We've defined it as an explanation of how or why something works.

To get a good grasp of what a theory is, let's start by looking at a theory from the field of biology

One of the best explanations of biological evolution and the mechanism that drives evolution is found in Carl Sagan's Cosmos video series which was based on the book Cosmos. In the following video Sagan describes the process of artificial selection.  As you are watching this clip from Cosmos, be sure to identify and be able to explain the mechanism that drives evolution.

Let's start first in Japan some time ago and the story of a drowned boy-emperor, a small crab and the idea of artificial selection.







In this short clip the process is explained in a different way. Slow the process down and catch each step. It starts with organisms vary.

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

HistMedia: A History of a Science: Thomas Kuhn (W9-P1) Fa15

Now that we've covered, to some degree, the three big names of Darwin, Freud and Marx, we can start to see their influence on communication study.

Next we'll take a look at some particular sub-fields within communication study and discover the influence of the big 3 on those specific sub-fields.

However, to do that, we need a good understanding of Thomas Kuhn and his concept of scientific revolutions.

Earlier we talked about study of history in general, now, with the help of Kuhn, we will look at the history of science, our science -- communication study.



Note: Earlier the readings for this course, we covered Kuhn's concepts of paradigm and paradigm shift.

While not as visually appealing, let's also take a quick look at this informative description of Kuhn and his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.




Kuhn's theory of scientific development can be used to understand the history of communication study and specific sub-fields within the discipline of communication.

For example see:
Rogers, E. M. & Hart, W. B. (2002). The histories of intercultural, development, and international communication. In W. B. Gudykunst and B. Moody (Eds.), Handbook of International and Intercultural Communication, 2nd Edition (pp. 1-18). Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications.

Kuhn's ideas have also been used to tell paradigmatic history of agenda-setting theory.

Rogers, E. M., Hart, W. B. & Dearing, J. W. (1997). A paradigmatic history of agenda-setting research. In S. Iyengar & R. Reeves (Eds.). Do the Media Govern?: Politicians, Voters, and Reporters in America (pp. 225-236). Thousand Oaks: CA, Sage Publications.

Before reading the agenda-setting chapter, it may be helpful to get a good grasp of the basics of agenda-setting theory.



Did you spot the parts of paradigmatic history just in this short video?




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Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

HistMedia: The Deep Roots of Communication Study- MARX (W7-P2) Fa15

As a means of supplementing this week's reading on Marx, let's play connect the dots. Let's connect the dots from Marx, to the Frankfurt School, to music on the radio. Finally, mass media.

Marx


The Frankfurt School (Horkheimer, et. al.)


Adorno and Music on the Radio (What is Good Music?)





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HistMedia: The Deep Roots of Communication Study- DARWIN cont'd (W7-P1) Fa15

The previous video clip introduced us to the life of Darwin and some of some of his key evolutionary concepts (e.g., natural selection and artificial selection).

As a means of summarizing the process of evolution. Carl Sagan's explanation of it.

One of the best explanations of biological evolution and the mechanism that drives evolution is found in Carl Sagan's Cosmos video series which was based on the book Cosmos. In the following video Sagan describes the process of artificial selection.  As you are watching this clip from Cosmos, be sure to identify and be able to explain the mechanism that drives evolution. Does this mechanism explain technological evolution?  Do technologies evolve?

Let's start first in Japan some time ago and the story of a drowned boy-emperor, a small crab and the idea of artificial selection.







In this short clip the process is explained in a different way. Slow the process down and catch each step. It starts with organisms vary.

Now, that we have a grasp of Darwin's life and his concept of evolution, let's ask ourselves: so what?  What that have to do with communication study?  Where does Darwin fit in?

According to Rogers (p. 64), Darwin had four key contributions (direct and indirect) to communication study .

1. Influenced Karl Marx and his formulation of dialectical materialism.
2. Shaped Herbert Spencer's concept of social Darwinism [vid].  This, in turn, influenced to some degree the work of early sociologists Charles Horton Cooley and Robert E. Park.  These two sociologist had strong influence on early communication scholars.
3. With the publication of his book, The Expression of the Emotions in Men and Animals, in 1873, Darwin helped start the study of nonverbal communication.

For our purposes here, we'll drop Rogers' original 4th contribution and add our own.  Based on our earlier coverage of Freud, we can add a 4th (indirect) contribution of Darwin.
4. Influence on Freud and the animalistic nature of the id.




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HistMedia: The Deep Roots of Communication Study- DARWIN (W6-P2) Fa15

Now, as a means of priming our interest in discussion of Darwin, let's take a look at the BBC documentary Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life.

Can you give a timeline of Darwin's life and the development of his ideas?

Let's take a look specifically from 0:00 to 30:00 in the clip.


Now that we have the basics down in terms of Darwin's life and his ideas, we'll follow up next week with some discussion of Darwin and his influence on a variety of communication sub-disciplines.

We'll also take a look at Marx and his influence.

In the week after we'll shift our focus to the prominent early media scholars Harold Lasswell and Paul Lazarsfeld.  How did the early works of Darwin, Freud and Marx influence Lasswell and Lazarsfeld? Other early communication scholars?  There is a lineage here.  There is an intellectual family tree.  If you excuse the metaphor, there is an evolution of ideas.



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HistMedia: The Deep Roots of Communication Study- FREUD (W6-P1) Fa15

DARWIN, FREUD & MARX

The above are prominent names from the late 19th and early 20th century.  Each has had an important and lasting impact on a variety of scientific disciplines and on society in general.

As Ev Rogers argues, they too had influence on the discipline of communication and media studies. In the works of Darwin, Freud and Marx we can find some key ideas that later shape communication and media studies.  In the works of Darwin, Freud and Marx we can find the deep roots of communication and media studies.

In this week's reading (History of Comm. Study, Chapter 3), Rogers tells the story of Freud and his ideas and how they influenced communication scholars and communication theory.

As a complement to the reading let's take a look at a documentary which outlines Freud's life and the development of his ideas.  Can you give a timeline of Freud's life and the development of his ideas?


See the following segments: 0:00-4:00, 7:55-26:40, 30:05-43:32 and 48:00-56:59



Here, in these notes, we'll highlight and expand upon some of the key concepts. First, let's given some more emphasis on the concept of the unconscious.




How did the idea of the unconscious and other Freudian ideas influence communication and media study? What does Rogers say?




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HistMedia: History of Media Theory: Timeline (W4-P1) Fa15

If the timeline is not showing above for you, the History of Media Theory timeline can be also be found at this link.


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Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.