Mass Media, Popular Culture, and Socialization (9A) - Psych & Soc

What is the looking-glass self (Cooley)?

Self-concept shaped by imagining how others perceive and judge you. We develop identity through perceived reflections from others.
What is the spiral of silence theory about expressing opinions in public?

People with minority views stay silent to avoid social isolation. Fear of isolation suppresses unpopular opinions.
What is the mean world syndrome predicted by cultivation theory?

Heavy TV viewing increases belief that the world is dangerous. Overrepresentation of violence distorts risk perception.
What is the looking-glass self, and how can media shape it?

Self-concept from perceived others' views; media provides salient "others". Cooley's concept: we see ourselves through others' eyes.
What is the generalized other in Mead's theory?

Internalized expectations of society used to guide behavior. Represents collective attitudes that individuals consider when acting.
Which agent of socialization is most associated with formal curriculum and hidden curriculum?

School. Teaches both explicit knowledge and implicit social rules.
Identify the concept: a person accepts a media claim as true because it seems authoritative.

Informational social influence. Accepting information from seemingly credible sources.
Identify the concept: A teen imitates a viral challenge after watching it online.

Social learning (observational learning). Social learning theory posits that behaviors are acquired through observing and imitating models, as in media portrayals that demonstrate actions and consequences.
What is the difference between the "I" and the "me" in Mead's model?

I: spontaneous self; me: internalized social self. The 'I' acts freely; the 'me' reflects social expectations.
What is the spiral of silence theory?

People conceal minority opinions to avoid isolation. Fear of social rejection silences dissenting voices.
What is popular culture?

Widely shared cultural products, ideas, and practices in a society. Includes entertainment, fashion, and trends consumed by mainstream society.
What is the looking-glass self?

Self-concept shaped by how one believes others perceive and judge them. Cooley's theory: we see ourselves through others' eyes.
What is selective retention in media effects?

Remembering information that supports existing beliefs more than opposing. Memory favors attitude-consistent over inconsistent content.
What is mass media in the context of socialization and social influence?

Large-scale communication reaching broad audiences (TV, internet, radio, print). Channels that transmit information to many people simultaneously.
Which agent of socialization is most associated with early childhood learning of norms?

Family. Primary socializers who transmit basic values from birth.
What is the third-person effect in mass media?

Belief that media affect others more than oneself. Perceptual bias underestimating media's influence on self.
What is uses and gratifications theory of media consumption?

People actively choose media to satisfy needs (information, identity, social). Audiences are active, not passive, media consumers.
What is the definition of a social norm?

Shared rule or expectation that guides behavior in a group. Can be formal laws or informal customs like personal space.
What is socialization?

Learning norms, values, roles, and behaviors of a society. Process through which individuals internalize cultural expectations.
What is a social role, in the context of media socialization?

A set of expected behaviors tied to a social status that media can portray. Media representations shape how people understand and perform social positions.
What is selective exposure in media consumption?

Preferring media that aligns with existing beliefs and avoiding dissonant content. Cognitive dissonance drives people to seek confirming media and avoid challenging views.
What is framing in mass media?

Presenting issues in ways that shape interpretation and evaluation. Word choice and context influence audience understanding.
What is cultivation theory, and what does it predict about heavy TV viewing?

Heavy viewing shapes perceptions of reality toward TV portrayals. Long-term exposure makes TV's world seem like real world.
What is stereotype threat in the context of media stereotypes and performance?

Anxiety about confirming a stereotype that impairs performance. Fear of confirming negative stereotypes disrupts cognitive resources.
Identify the concept: people watch a show mainly for escapism and mood management.

Uses and gratifications theory. Audiences actively choose media to fulfill specific needs.
Identify the concept: News coverage emphasizes crime, increasing fear of victimization.

Cultivation theory. Cultivation theory illustrates how repeated media depictions of violence or crime can distort viewers' perceptions, fostering an exaggerated sense of societal danger.
What is cultivation theory regarding long-term television exposure?

Heavy viewing shapes beliefs about reality to match TV's recurrent portrayals. Gerbner found heavy viewers overestimate violence and danger.
What is agenda-setting, and what aspect of public opinion does it influence?

Media influence what issues people think are important (salience). Media doesn't tell people what to think, but what to think about.
What is the two-step flow model of communication?

Media influence opinion leaders, who influence others. Recognizes indirect influence through interpersonal networks.
What is the agenda-setting function of mass media?

Shaping what issues people think are important by emphasizing certain topics. Media tells us what to think about, not what to think.
What is gatekeeping in mass media production and distribution?

Selecting, filtering, and shaping which information becomes news/content. Media outlets control what information reaches audiences.
What is cultural diffusion as driven by mass media?

Spread of cultural traits between societies via media contact. Media accelerates cross-cultural exchange of ideas and practices.
What is the self-serving bias in interpreting media feedback or outcomes?

Attributing successes internally and failures to external factors. Protects self-esteem by biasing causal explanations.
Identify the concept: After heavy crime-drama viewing, a person overestimates crime rates.

Cultivation theory. Media consumption shapes beliefs about real-world frequency.
What is the spiral of silence theory about expressing minority opinions publicly?

People with minority views self-censor to avoid social isolation. Fear of isolation silences dissent, making majority seem unanimous.
What is gatekeeping in mass media?

Filtering of information before it reaches the public. Editors and algorithms decide what content becomes visible.
Identify the concept: A headline labels a protest as a "riot," altering audience judgment.

Framing. Word choice influences perception of the same event.
What is cultural lag, and what causes it during rapid media-driven change?

Nonmaterial culture lags behind material/tech change. Values and beliefs change slower than technology advances.
What is framing in mass media?

Presenting information in a way that shapes interpretation. Context and emphasis influence how audiences understand events.
What is the hypodermic needle (magic bullet) model of media effects?

Media messages directly and uniformly influence passive audiences. Assumes audiences passively absorb media like injected drugs.
What is the uses and gratifications approach to media?

Audiences actively select media to satisfy needs and goals. Views audiences as active participants choosing media purposefully.
What is mass media in the context of sociological socialization?

Large-scale communication channels reaching broad audiences. Includes TV, radio, internet, newspapers that shape social values.
Identify the concept: A platform promotes posts that maximize engagement, shaping what users see.

Gatekeeping. Gatekeeping in digital platforms involves algorithms that prioritize content based on engagement metrics, thereby controlling visibility and shaping user experiences.
What is a total institution?

Setting controlling all aspects of life (e.g., prison, military boot camp). Isolates individuals from outside society for complete control.
What is mass media in the context of socialization and culture?

Communication technologies reaching large, dispersed audiences. Includes TV, radio, internet, and print media that shape cultural values.
What does cultivation theory predict after heavy long-term TV exposure?

Viewers perceive reality as similar to TV portrayals. Heavy viewers adopt TV's distorted worldview over time.
Identify the concept: a news outlet highlights crime stories, increasing fear of crime.

Cultivation theory. Repeated exposure to crime coverage shapes reality perception.
What is agenda-setting by mass media?

Media shapes what people think about by emphasizing certain issues. Directs public attention to specific topics over others.
What is a reference group in media and consumer behavior?

A group used for social comparison that shapes attitudes, identity, and behavior. Media portrays aspirational groups that influence consumer choices and self-concept.
What is the "looking-glass self" and who proposed it?

Self-concept from perceived others' judgments; Charles Horton Cooley. We see ourselves reflected in how we think others view us.
What is framing in mass media?

Presenting issues in ways that shape interpretation. Same event can be portrayed differently to influence public opinion.
What is framing in mass media?

Presenting information in a way that shapes interpretation. Same event can be presented as protest vs. riot, affecting perception.
What is socialization as studied in MCAT sociology?

Lifelong process of learning norms, values, roles, and behaviors. Occurs through family, peers, media, and institutions.
What is the hidden curriculum?

Implicit lessons about norms, hierarchy, and obedience in school. Teaches conformity, punctuality, and authority respect indirectly.
What is selective exposure in media use?

Tendency to seek information consistent with existing attitudes. People avoid cognitive dissonance by choosing confirming media.
What is the third-person effect regarding mass media influence?

Belief that media affects others more than it affects oneself. Underestimates personal susceptibility to media influence.
What is popular culture (pop culture) as used in sociological analysis?

Widely shared, mainstream cultural products, ideas, and practices. Elements of culture consumed and recognized by the general public.
What is a social norm in the context of media and culture?

Shared expectation for appropriate behavior in a given context. Rules that guide behavior based on group consensus.
What is a cultural value, and how does it differ from a norm?

Value: abstract ideal; norm: specific behavioral expectation. Values are principles; norms are concrete rules derived from values.
What is agenda-setting theory in mass media research?

Media influences which issues people view as important, not what to think. Media tells us what to think about, not what to think.
What is the digital divide?

Inequality in access to and effective use of digital technologies. Socioeconomic factors create technology access disparities.
What is the third-person effect regarding media influence on attitudes and behavior?

Belief that media affect others more than oneself. Psychological bias underestimating personal susceptibility to influence.
What is social learning theory (Bandura) as applied to mass media?

People learn behaviors by observing models and the consequences they receive. Viewers imitate behaviors they see modeled, especially when outcomes are positive.
What is the "me" in Mead's theory of the self?

Internalized social expectations and the socialized self. Represents society's influence on individual behavior.
Which term describes media acting as an agent of socialization?

Mass media socialization. Media transmits cultural values and social expectations to audiences.
What is role conflict, and how does it differ from role strain?

Incompatible expectations across roles; strain is within one role. Conflict arises between multiple roles; strain exists within one.
What is socialization, and what does it produce in individuals?

Internalization of norms and values that produces a social self. Process by which individuals learn society's expectations and develop identity.
What is popular culture?

Widely shared mainstream cultural products, ideas, and practices. Reflects dominant values consumed by broad segments of society.
What is a total institution?

Setting controlling most aspects of life under a single authority. Examples include prisons, military, psychiatric hospitals.
What is framing in media, and what does it change about audience interpretation?

Presentation style that shapes how an issue is understood and evaluated. Emphasizing certain aspects makes them more salient in judgments.
What is the sociological definition of mass media?

Communication technologies reaching large, dispersed audiences. Emphasizes technology's role in reaching many people simultaneously.
What is popular culture?

Mainstream cultural ideas and practices widely consumed in a society. Popular culture encompasses the cultural products and practices that are prevalent and accessible to the general public, reflecting and influencing societal trends and values.
Which concept is shown when a celebrity endorsement increases product appeal?

Halo effect. Positive traits transfer from admired person to associated product.
What is the mean world syndrome associated with cultivation theory?

Belief that the world is more dangerous than it actually is. Overexposure to TV violence creates exaggerated fear of crime.
What does the two-step flow model propose about how media influence occurs?

Media influence passes through opinion leaders to others via social networks. Influential individuals mediate media's impact on others.
What is the looking-glass self (Cooley)?

Self-concept shaped by perceived judgments of others. We imagine how others see us and adjust our self-image accordingly.
What is the "I" component in Mead's theory of the self?

Spontaneous, impulsive, individual aspect of the self. Mead's 'I' represents the creative, unpredictable response to social situations, emerging from innate impulses before social constraints are applied.
Identify the media effect: repeated exposure increases perceived normality of violence.

Cultivation theory. Heavy TV viewing makes violence seem more common than reality.
What is the mean world syndrome associated with cultivation theory?

Belief that the world is more dangerous due to heavy TV exposure. Overestimating violence/danger from TV crime shows.
Identify the concept: a viewer changes attitudes to match perceived group norms online.

Normative social influence. Conforming to fit in with perceived group standards.
What is popular culture (pop culture) as a sociological concept?

Widely shared, mainstream cultural products and practices in a society. Encompasses entertainment, trends, and customs consumed by the masses.
What is the uses and gratifications approach to media consumption?

Audiences actively choose media to satisfy needs (information, identity, entertainment). People are active consumers selecting media for specific purposes.
What is the hypodermic needle (magic bullet) model of media effects?

Media messages directly and uniformly affect passive audiences. Early theory assuming audiences are powerless against media messages.
What is the two-step flow model of communication?

Media influence flows through opinion leaders to others. The two-step flow model posits that media effects are mediated by influential individuals who interpret and relay information to their social networks.
What is the definition of a social script?

Culturally learned sequence of expected behaviors in a situation. Predetermined social patterns guide appropriate actions.
What is socialization in sociology?

Process of learning norms, values, roles, and behaviors of a culture. Acquiring cultural knowledge enables participation in society.
What is mass media in the context of socialization?

Large-scale communication reaching broad audiences (TV, radio, internet, print). Channels that transmit information to many people simultaneously.
What is resocialization?

Replacing old norms with new ones, often in total institutions. Breaks down old identity to build new one, like in military boot camp.
Which agent of socialization is most central in early childhood?

Family. The family provides the initial and most influential environment for learning basic social skills, emotional bonds, and cultural norms during formative years.
What is the spiral of silence theory?

People suppress minority opinions to avoid social isolation. Fear of isolation leads to self-censorship of unpopular views.
What is mass media in sociology?

Communication technologies reaching large audiences. Includes TV, radio, internet, and print media that disseminate information widely.
What is mass media in the context of socialization and diffusion of information?

Communication channels reaching large audiences (TV, radio, internet, print). Platforms that distribute content to vast, dispersed populations simultaneously.
What is resocialization?

Replacing old norms and roles with new ones, often in total institutions. Prisons and military boot camps exemplify this identity transformation.
What is socialization?

Lifelong process of learning norms, values, roles, and identities. Occurs through family, peers, media, and institutions throughout life.
What is a cultural script, and why is it relevant to media effects?

Learned sequence for how to behave in common situations. Media provides models for social interactions and expectations.
What is the agenda-setting function of mass media?

Media influence what issues people think are important by emphasizing coverage. Coverage frequency determines public perception of issue significance.
What is the "I" in Mead's theory of self?

Spontaneous, impulsive, subjective aspect of the self. Represents our unique, creative responses before social filtering.
What is the hypodermic needle (magic bullet) model of media?

Media messages directly and uniformly influence passive audiences. The hypodermic needle model assumes media messages are injected directly into audiences, leading to immediate and uniform behavioral responses without mediation.
What is the mean world syndrome in cultivation theory?

Belief that the world is more dangerous than it is. Results from overexposure to violent media content.
What is selective exposure in relation to media and attitudes?

Preference for media that aligns with existing beliefs and attitudes. Confirmation bias in media selection behavior.
What is the agenda-setting function of mass media?

Media influence what issues the public views as important. Media coverage determines public perception of issue importance.
What is the uses and gratifications approach to media?

Audiences actively choose media to satisfy needs. Contrasts with passive audience theories by emphasizing user agency.
What is the generalized other in Mead's theory?

Internalized societal expectations used to guide behavior. Represents society's collective attitudes we consider when acting.
What is framing, and what does it change about how audiences interpret events?

Presentation style that changes interpretation by emphasizing aspects. Context and angle shape how audiences understand information.
What is the hypodermic needle (magic bullet) model of media effects?

Media messages are directly and powerfully absorbed by passive audiences. Early theory assuming immediate, uniform media effects.
What is the knowledge gap hypothesis about media and social inequality?

Higher-SES groups gain information faster, widening knowledge disparities. Media increases inequality between social classes.
What is gatekeeping in mass media?

Selecting and filtering which information becomes news. Gatekeeping determines the flow of information in media by editors and producers deciding which stories are disseminated, influencing public awareness and discourse.
What is priming in media and political judgment?

Exposure to content makes related ideas more accessible for later evaluations. Recent media exposure activates concepts that influence subsequent judgments.
What is anticipatory socialization?

Adopting behaviors of a future role before entering it. Like medical students acting as doctors before graduating.
What is resocialization?

Replacing old norms with new norms, often in a new environment. Unlearning previous patterns to adapt to new social contexts.
What is the looking-glass self?

Self-concept shaped by perceptions of how others view us. Cooley's theory: we see ourselves reflected in others' reactions.
What is social cognitive theory (observational learning) as applied to media?

People learn behaviors by observing models and consequences in media. Bandura's theory: media models teach through vicarious reinforcement.
What is resocialization, and where does it commonly occur?

Replacing old norms with new ones; often in total institutions. Strips away old identity to build a new one from scratch.
What is cultivation theory regarding long-term media exposure?

Heavy exposure shapes perceptions of social reality (e.g., mean world). Gerbner's theory: TV viewing cultivates distorted worldviews.
Which agent of socialization most directly provides formal curricula and hidden curriculum?

School (education system). Teaches both academic content and implicit social expectations.
What is socialization in sociology?

The process of learning norms, values, roles, and behaviors of a society. Through this, individuals internalize cultural expectations and become functioning members.
What is mass media in the context of socialization and social influence?

Communication institutions reaching large audiences (TV, radio, print, internet). Channels that transmit information to many people simultaneously.
What is the hidden curriculum in education?

Unstated norms and values taught indirectly in schools. The hidden curriculum reinforces societal values like punctuality, obedience, and competition through implicit school routines and interactions, beyond formal academic content.
What is selective exposure in media consumption?

Preference for information consistent with prior beliefs. People seek media that aligns with their existing views.
What is socialization?

Process of learning norms, values, roles, and behaviors. Occurs through family, peers, schools, and media throughout life.
Which concept best fits: a viewer learns aggression by observing rewarded violence?

Social cognitive theory (observational learning/modeling). Bandura's theory: people imitate observed behaviors.
What is social learning theory, and what key mechanism links media to behavior?

Learning via observing models; imitation reinforced by vicarious rewards. Bandura showed children copy aggressive behaviors from media models.
What is cultural imperialism in relation to mass media?

Dominance of one culture's media and values over others. Western media often overwhelms local cultural expressions.
What is cultivation theory (Gerbner)?

Heavy media exposure shapes perceptions of social reality over time. TV violence exposure may increase viewers' fear of crime.
What is the knowledge gap hypothesis?

Information increases faster among higher-SES groups, widening gaps. Education and resources enable better information processing.
What is the self-fulfilling prophecy, as applied to media or teacher expectations?

Expectation elicits behavior that makes the expectation come true. Rosenthal effect shows teacher beliefs shape student outcomes.
What is selective perception in media processing?

Interpreting messages in ways that confirm prior beliefs. Cognitive biases filter contradictory information out.
What is the difference between manifest and latent functions of mass media?

Manifest: intended; latent: unintended consequences. Manifest: inform citizens; latent: create consumer desires.
What is role strain as a concept in role theory?

Stress from competing demands within a single role. Occurs when one role has conflicting expectations.
What is uses and gratifications theory?

People actively choose media to satisfy needs (e.g., identity, information). Audiences are active selectors, not passive recipients.
What theory states people learn behaviors by observing models in media?

Social cognitive (social learning) theory. Bandura's theory emphasizes observational learning from media models.
What is the definition of a social role in sociology?

Set of expected behaviors tied to a given social status. Prescribes how someone in a particular position should act.
What is selective retention in the context of media effects?

Remembering information that supports existing views more than opposing info. Memory favors attitude-consistent information.
What is the definition of a social norm relevant to media-driven conformity?

Shared rule/expectation guiding behavior in a group or society. Unwritten rules that members follow to maintain social order.
Identify the concept: A viewer changes attitudes to match a persuasive ad to reduce discomfort.

Cognitive dissonance. Reduces psychological discomfort from conflicting beliefs and actions.
Identify the concept: repeated exposure to an ad increases liking even without new info.

Mere exposure effect. Familiarity breeds liking through repeated encounters.
Identify the concept: using influencers to spread a message through followers.

Two-step flow of communication. Opinion leaders receive media messages first, then influence their social networks.
What is socialization as a sociological process relevant to mass media?

Internalization of norms, values, roles, and behaviors of a group. Process of learning society's expectations through interaction.
What is confirmation bias as it relates to media interpretation?

Interpreting media to support preexisting attitudes or beliefs. Cognitive bias where people favor information confirming beliefs.
Identify the term for selecting media that aligns with one's attitudes to avoid dissonance.

Selective exposure. Choosing media matching pre-existing beliefs to maintain consistency.
What is agenda-setting in mass media?

Media shape what issues audiences view as important. Media coverage influences public perception of issue importance.
Which term describes media acting as a socializing agent by teaching norms and roles?

Media socialization. Media functions alongside family, school as socialization agent.
What is popular culture?

Widely shared cultural products and practices in a society at a given time. Includes entertainment, fashion, music, and trends consumed by the masses.
What is anticipatory socialization in relation to groups and media influence?

Adopting behaviors of a desired group before joining it. Prepares individuals for future roles by mimicking expected behaviors.
What is social learning theory as applied to media effects?

People learn behaviors by observing and imitating models, with reinforcement. Bandura's framework: observation leads to behavior acquisition.
What is gatekeeping in mass media?

Selecting which information becomes news and how it is presented. Media outlets filter what reaches the public as news.
What is selective perception when processing media messages?

Interpreting the same content in ways that confirm prior beliefs. Biased processing filters out contradictory information.
What is agenda-setting by mass media?

Shaping what issues the public considers important. Agenda-setting theory explains how media prioritizes certain topics, thereby directing public attention and perceived importance without dictating opinions.
What is the two-step flow model of communication?

Media influence opinion leaders who influence others. Information flows from media to opinion leaders to the public.
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of media stereotypes?

Expectations elicit behaviors that confirm the expectation. Media stereotypes can shape behavior to match portrayed expectations.
What is the difference between primary and secondary socialization?

Primary: early family; Secondary: later roles via schools, peers, work, media. Primary occurs in childhood; secondary continues throughout life.
Identify the concept: A viewer watches news that reinforces existing political beliefs.

Selective exposure. Seeking information that confirms pre-existing views.
What is the definition of mass media in the context of socialization?

Communication channels reaching large audiences (TV, radio, internet, print). Platforms that disseminate information to vast numbers simultaneously.
What is agenda-setting in mass media?

Media influence what issues audiences perceive as important. Media doesn't tell people what to think, but what to think about.
What is the agenda-setting function of mass media?

Media shapes what issues audiences perceive as important. Media coverage determines public's priority of social issues.
What is the difference between an in-group and an out-group?

In-group: us/identity; out-group: them/contrast. Social categorization based on membership and perceived differences.
What is mass media?

Institutions/technologies that disseminate information to large audiences. Channels like TV, radio, internet reach millions simultaneously.
What is gatekeeping in journalism and media production?

Selecting which information becomes news content. Editors and producers filter what reaches the public.
What is framing, and how does it differ from agenda setting?

Framing shapes interpretation; agenda setting shapes salience of topics. Framing affects how we think about issues; agenda-setting affects which issues.
Identify the concept: media portrayals reinforce group stereotypes through repetition.

Stereotyping (via media representation). Repeated portrayals create/maintain group biases.
What is the "generalized other" in Mead's theory of social development?

Internalized norms and expectations of society at large. Represents collective attitudes that guide individual behavior.
What is gatekeeping in mass media?

Filtering and selection of which information becomes news. Editors and producers control what becomes public knowledge.
What is the uses and gratifications approach to media use?

People actively choose media to satisfy needs (information, identity, socializing). Audiences are active selectors, not passive recipients of media content.
What is the fundamental attribution error in judging people shown in media?

Overemphasizing dispositions and underestimating situational influences. Ignores how context shapes behavior when judging others.
What is the agenda-setting function of mass media?

Media influence what topics the public views as important. Media coverage determines which issues receive public attention.
Which concept is shown when a teen adopts dress and slang from a favorite influencer to fit in?

Normative social influence. Conforming to be liked and accepted by the reference group.
What is framing in media effects?

Presenting information to influence interpretation and evaluation. Framing influences audience perceptions by emphasizing specific aspects of a story, guiding how events are understood and evaluated within cultural contexts.
What is cultural diffusion, and how can mass media facilitate it?

Spread of cultural traits between groups; media accelerates transmission. Media speeds cross-cultural exchange of ideas and practices.
What is anticipatory socialization?

Adopting behaviors and attitudes of a group before joining it. Prepares individuals for future roles they expect to occupy.
What is gatekeeping in the news production process?

Filtering and selecting which information becomes news. Editors decide what stories make it to public awareness.
Identify the concept: repeated media exposure makes content seem more normal or acceptable.

Desensitization. Reduced emotional response through repeated exposure.
Which concept describes media reinforcing beliefs by showing information consistent with them?

Confirmation bias. Tendency to seek and interpret media supporting existing views.
What is framing as a media effect?

Presenting information to shape interpretation and evaluation. Same event can be portrayed as protest or riot, affecting perception.
What is cultural imperialism in a media context?

Dominant cultures displace local cultures through media influence. Powerful nations' media exports can overwhelm local traditions.
What is the sociological definition of a reference group?

Group used for self-evaluation and standards of comparison. Provides benchmarks for attitudes, behaviors, and aspirations.
What is cultural transmission as related to mass media?

Passing cultural beliefs and practices across people and generations via communication. Media acts as a vehicle for spreading cultural knowledge.
What is cultivation theory?

Heavy media exposure shapes perceptions of social reality. Long-term exposure cultivates worldviews matching media portrayals.
What is the "me" component in Mead's theory of the self?

Socialized self shaped by norms and others' expectations. Mead's 'me' embodies the organized set of societal attitudes internalized through interactions, guiding behavior to conform to social expectations.
What is agenda-setting theory of mass media effects?

Media influence what issues people think are important. Media doesn't tell us what to think, but what to think about.
What is the generalized other in Mead's theory?

Internalized norms and expectations of society as a whole. Represents collective attitudes we consider when acting.
What is vicarious reinforcement in the context of media models?

Observed rewards increase likelihood of imitating the behavior. Seeing media characters rewarded motivates copying their actions.
What is the two-step flow model of communication in mass media influence?

Media influence flows to opinion leaders, then to others. Influential individuals filter and spread media messages to networks.
Identify the concept: media portrayals lead viewers to see the world as more dangerous than it is.

Mean world syndrome (cultivation theory). Heavy TV viewing cultivates perception of heightened danger.
What is resocialization, and in what type of setting is it most associated?

Replacing norms/roles, often in a total institution (e.g., prison, military). Dramatic transformation of identity through intensive control.
What is the cultivation theory of media effects?

Heavy media exposure shapes perceptions of reality to match media portrayals. Long-term viewing cultivates worldviews that mirror TV's distorted representations.
What is anticipatory socialization?

Adopting norms/behaviors of a group one hopes to join. Like medical students acting as doctors before graduating.
Identify the concept: a platform curates what you see by filtering posts before display.

Gatekeeping. Controlling information flow by selecting what gets shared.
What is the spiral of silence theory?

People with minority views stay silent to avoid social isolation. Fear of isolation suppresses dissenting public opinions.
What is the generalized other in symbolic interactionism?

Internalized sense of societal norms and expectations. Mead's concept of society's collective attitudes within us.
Identify the media effect: repeated exposure makes a message feel true.

Illusory truth effect. Repetition increases believability regardless of accuracy.
What is popular culture?

Widely favored cultural beliefs, objects, and practices. Encompasses mainstream trends, entertainment, and shared cultural experiences.
What is the two-step flow model of communication?

Media influence flows to opinion leaders, then to others. Recognizes opinion leaders as intermediaries in media influence.
Identify the concept: a teen changes clothing style to match a TikTok trend.

Anticipatory socialization. Preparing for future roles by adopting group behaviors early.
What is the difference between primary and secondary socialization?

Primary: early family; Secondary: later institutions (school, peers, media). Primary occurs in childhood; secondary continues throughout life.
What is popular culture (pop culture) in sociology?

Widely shared cultural products, ideas, and practices in a society. Encompasses entertainment, fashion, trends that influence behavior.
What is the digital divide?

Inequality in access to and effective use of digital technologies. Creates disparities in information access and social participation.
What is a total institution in the context of resocialization?

Institution controlling most aspects of life (e.g., prison, military). Erving Goffman's concept of environments that strip old identity.
What is cultivation theory?

Long-term media exposure shapes beliefs about social reality. Cultivation theory suggests that prolonged exposure to media content, especially television, gradually molds viewers' perceptions of reality to align with portrayed norms.
What is selective exposure in media consumption?

Preferring information that aligns with existing attitudes. Selective exposure theory explains that individuals tend to consume media that reinforces their preexisting beliefs, avoiding cognitive dissonance from conflicting information.
What is anticipatory socialization?

Adopting behaviors of a group one hopes to join in the future. Pre-learning expected behaviors before entering a new role.
What is popular culture (pop culture)?

Widely shared, mainstream cultural products and practices. Includes music, fashion, entertainment consumed by the masses.
What is socialization, and what is its core purpose in society?

Learning norms, values, and roles to function as a group member. Process through which individuals internalize society's expectations.
What is the hidden curriculum in schools?

Unstated lessons about norms, obedience, and social roles taught implicitly. Teaches conformity and hierarchy beyond formal academic content.
What is socialization?

Process of learning norms, values, roles, and behaviors. Occurs through agents like family, peers, media, and institutions.
What is Mead's distinction between the "I" and the "Me"?

I: spontaneous self; Me: internalized social expectations. The I acts freely; the Me considers social rules before acting.
What is resocialization?

Replacing old norms with new ones, often in total institutions. Strips away previous identity to create a new social self.
Which concept best describes unequal media representation reinforcing group stereotypes?

Stereotyping through representational bias. Media portrayals shape and perpetuate group perceptions.
What is the knowledge gap hypothesis?

Information spreads faster among higher-SES groups than others. Media access widens knowledge disparities between social classes.
What is a total institution in Goffman's framework?

Institution controlling most life spheres (e.g., prison, military, asylum). Residents have minimal outside contact and follow strict routines.
What is popular culture?

Widely shared cultural products and practices in a society at a given time. Reflects mainstream beliefs, trends, and entertainment of the masses.
What is selective exposure in the context of media consumption?

Preferring information that aligns with existing beliefs. People seek media that confirms rather than challenges their views.
Identify the concept: a headline emphasizes "crime surge" and shifts blame to a group.

Framing. The presentation angle influences interpretation by highlighting certain aspects.
What is cultivation theory?

Heavy media exposure shapes perceptions of social reality. Heavy TV viewers overestimate violence and danger in real world.
What is the digital divide as a sociological concept tied to mass media?

Unequal access to and effective use of digital technologies/internet. Technology access varies by socioeconomic factors.
Which term describes media shaping what audiences think about by emphasizing issues?

Agenda-setting. Media determines which topics receive public attention.
Identify the media effect: learning aggression by observing rewarded violent behavior.

Social learning theory (observational learning/modeling). Bandura's theory: media provides behavioral models to imitate.
What is framing in mass media?

Presenting information in a way that influences interpretation and judgment. Selective emphasis shapes how audiences understand issues.
Which term describes media influencing how an issue is interpreted via presentation?

Framing. Context and perspective shape audience understanding.
What is the looking-glass self?

Self-concept shaped by how one believes others perceive them. Cooley's concept: we see ourselves reflected in others' reactions.
What is the media effects model that predicts direct influence on audiences?

Hypodermic needle (magic bullet) model. Assumes passive audiences immediately absorb media messages.
What is cultivation theory regarding long-term media exposure?

Heavy viewing shapes perceptions of reality to match media portrayals. Repeated exposure creates distorted worldviews matching TV content.
What is the hypodermic needle (magic bullet) model of media effects?

A model claiming media messages directly and uniformly influence audiences. Early theory assuming passive audiences uniformly affected by media messages.
What is the difference between a stereotype and prejudice in media portrayals?

Stereotype: belief; prejudice: attitude or affect toward a group. Stereotypes are cognitive; prejudice involves emotional evaluation.
What is mass media?

Communication channels that reach large audiences (TV, radio, print, internet). These platforms transmit information and culture to vast, dispersed populations.
What is the "me" in Mead's theory of self?

Internalized social expectations; the socialized aspect of the self. Reflects how we think others expect us to behave.
Identify the concept: A teen copies a TikTok trend to fit in with peers online.

Normative social influence (conformity to gain acceptance). Demonstrates conforming to be liked and accepted by the group.
What is popular culture as studied in sociology and social psychology?

Widely shared mainstream cultural products, practices, and beliefs. Elements of culture consumed and shared by the general public.
What is socialization?

Lifelong process of learning norms, values, roles, and social behaviors. Occurs through agents like family, peers, schools, and media.
What is the definition of popular culture in sociology?

Widely shared, mainstream cultural products and practices. Encompasses entertainment, trends, and practices consumed by masses.
What is vicarious reinforcement in media effects?

Increased imitation when a model is rewarded (or not punished) on screen. Observers adopt behaviors after seeing others rewarded for them in media.
What is the "I" in Mead's theory of the self?

Spontaneous, impulsive, individual aspect of the self. The creative, unique part before social constraints.
What is mass media in the sociological sense?

Communication technologies reaching large, diverse audiences. Encompasses TV, internet, radio, and print reaching millions simultaneously.
What is socialization, and what is its core outcome for the individual?

Internalization of norms and values; development of social identity and roles. Process by which individuals learn to function within their society.
What is the difference between primary and secondary socialization?

Primary: early family learning; secondary: later learning in institutions. Primary occurs in childhood; secondary continues through schools and work.
Which concept best fits: a teen adopts a fashion trend after it spreads online widely?

Diffusion of innovations. Rogers' theory: innovations spread through social systems.
Which concept describes how media influence is stronger when audiences actively interpret and choose content?

Uses and gratifications theory. Audiences select media to fulfill specific needs and desires.
Identify the concept: repeated media portrayals lead viewers to see a group as "all alike."

Stereotyping via representativeness/availability from media exposure. Limited media diversity creates mental shortcuts about groups.
What is cultural transmission as a media function?

Passing norms, values, and beliefs to the next generation. Media functions as an agent of socialization by transmitting cultural knowledge, ensuring continuity of societal norms and values across generations.
What is cultivation theory?

Long-term media exposure shapes perceptions of reality (e.g., "mean world"). Heavy TV viewing distorts beliefs about danger and violence.
What is the difference between an agent of socialization and a reference group?

Agent transmits norms; reference group is used for self-evaluation. Agents actively teach; reference groups provide comparison standards.
What is framing in mass media?

Media shape interpretation by how an issue is presented. Same facts presented differently lead to different conclusions.
What is social learning theory as applied to media effects?

People learn behaviors by observing and imitating models. Bandura showed children imitate aggressive behaviors seen on TV.
What is a social norm as transmitted by media?

An informal rule for acceptable behavior that media can model and reinforce. Media depicts what's considered appropriate, influencing viewers' behavior patterns.
What is impression management in the context of social media?

Strategic control of self-presentation to influence others' perceptions. Curating online personas to create desired impressions.
Identify the media concept: News coverage makes immigration seem like the top national problem.

Agenda-setting. Media coverage frequency influences perceived issue importance.
Identify the concept: repeated exposure increases liking for a song or brand.

Mere exposure effect. Familiarity breeds preference without conscious awareness.
What is popular culture (pop culture) in sociological terms?

Widely shared cultural elements that are mainstream and rapidly changing. Reflects current trends and values accessible to the general public.
What is the mean world syndrome associated with cultivation theory?

Belief that the world is more dangerous due to heavy exposure to media violence. Overrepresentation of violence in media creates exaggerated fear and mistrust.
What is socialization as studied in psychology and sociology?

Process of learning norms, values, roles, and behaviors of a society. Lifelong process through which individuals internalize cultural expectations.
What is a total institution as defined by Goffman?

Place controlling most life aspects under one authority, isolating from society. Institutions strip individual identity to rebuild conforming members.
What is the generalized other in Mead's theory?

Internalized societal expectations used to guide behavior. In Mead's symbolic interactionism, the generalized other represents the collective attitudes and expectations of society, serving as a reference for self-evaluation and behavior regulation.
Identify the concept: a platform suggests similar videos, reinforcing one viewpoint.

Filter bubble (algorithmic selective exposure). Algorithms create echo chambers limiting diverse perspectives.
What is the hypodermic needle (magic bullet) model of media influence?

Media messages are directly and uniformly absorbed by passive audiences. Early theory assuming audiences are powerless against media.
Identify the media concept: The same protest is labeled "riot" versus "uprising," changing meaning.

Framing. Word choice shapes interpretation of events and their significance.
What is cultivation theory regarding long-term exposure to television/media?

Heavy exposure shapes perceptions of reality to match media portrayals. TV viewing gradually alters worldview over time.
What is the uses and gratifications approach to media?

Audiences actively choose media to satisfy specific needs. The uses and gratifications approach views audiences as active participants who select media content to fulfill personal psychological and social needs.
What is the two-step flow model of mass communication?

Media influence flows to opinion leaders, then to others via interaction. Opinion leaders filter and interpret media for their networks.
What is popular culture (pop culture) as tested in MCAT sociology?

Widely shared cultural products, ideas, and practices in a society. Mainstream beliefs and practices consumed by the masses.
What is agenda-setting in mass media?

Media shape what issues people think are important, not what to think. Media doesn't dictate opinions but determines discussion topics.
What is confirmation bias in evaluating media messages?

Favoring evidence that supports existing beliefs. Cognitive bias that filters information to support preconceptions.
What is a total institution, as defined by Goffman?

Institution controlling most life domains under one authority. Examples include prisons, military, and psychiatric hospitals.
What is the hidden curriculum, and how does it relate to schooling?

Unwritten lessons (obedience, punctuality, hierarchy) taught by schools. Implicit socialization beyond formal academic content.
What is the spiral of silence theory?

People may withhold minority opinions to avoid isolation, amplifying perceived norms. Fear of social rejection silences dissent, creating false consensus perceptions.
What is mass media in sociology?

Large-scale communication channels reaching broad audiences. Mass media serves as a primary mechanism for disseminating information, ideas, and entertainment to vast, heterogeneous audiences through channels like television, radio, and the internet.
What is agenda-setting by the media?

Media influence what issues audiences view as important. Coverage frequency affects public perception of issue importance.
Which option best describes the digital divide as a social inequality relevant to media?

Unequal access to and effective use of information technologies. Gap between those with and without digital resources and skills.
What is popular culture as studied in sociology and the MCAT social sciences?

Widely shared cultural products, ideas, and practices in a society. Reflects mainstream beliefs and behaviors of a given time period.
Identify the concept: A person learns aggression by watching rewarded violence on TV.

Social learning theory (observational learning/modeling). Bandura's theory: people learn behaviors by observing media models.
What is gatekeeping in mass media production and distribution?

Filtering that determines which stories and viewpoints reach audiences. Editors and algorithms decide what information reaches the public.
What is social learning theory (Bandura) as applied to media exposure?

People learn behaviors by observing models and consequences. Media characters serve as models for observational learning.

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