Why is it difficult to establish the effects of mass communication?
Young children are not the only ones who go through a socialization period. College students have to be socialized as well. What were the main socialization agencies that prepared you to fit into college life? How important were the media?
How are college students portrayed on prime-time TV? Do these portrayals perpetuate any stereotypes?
Why has the debate over media violence gone on so long? Will scientists ever amass enough evidence to satisfy everybody? Why or why not?
What sorts of research projects should be developed to study the social impact of the internet?
Review the boxed insert on page 451, "The Question of Technological Determinism and the Kennedy-Nixon Debate Myth," and consider the following: Can you think of other forms of technological determinism that surround the Internet? The cell phone? Blogs? What does this analysis suggest about uncritical acceptance of empirical research findings?
