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The cognitive mediation model of learning from the news proposes that motivations for news use influence the processing to which the news information is put, and that this processing is the proximal determinant of learning. The role of motivations in learning from the news, then, is indirect through information processing. Secondary analysis of data indicate substantial support for the model. The relationship between motivations and knowledge was reduced by the introduction of the mediating cognitive variables, news attention, and news elaboration. Both attention and elaboration were significantly related to knowledge, even after controlling all other variables in the model.

The cognitive mediation model predicts that the impact of a learning gratification for news media use on knowledge of news content is mediated by information processing variables. Specifically, surveillance gratifications seeking should encourage two forms of information processing: news attention and elaboration. These forms of information processing should covary and have a direct and positive impact on learning of news content. The impact of surveillance gratifications seeking on knowledge—expected at the zero-order level—should be approximately zero when these information processing variables are controlled. A secondary analysis of two sample surveys (N = 512 and N = 567) plus analysis of original data specifically designed to test the model (N = 299) provide nearly complete support for hypotheses derived from the model in the context of political learning from the news. Suggestions for expansion of the model are provided.

This paper stresses the importance of a close link between theory and methodology. Specifically, in the context of mass communication research this paper (1) defines interactions and nonlinearity; (2) explains the appropriate techniques to test for these effects in survey data; (3) uses four well-known mass communication theories (knowledge gap, diffusion of information and innovations, effects of uses and gratifications, and cultivation) as examples of when to expect and test for these types of effects; and (4) identifies the theoretical and methodological implications of the recent debate on this topic among statisticians in psychology and other disciplines for mass communication researchers.

AbstractDialogue about race-based topics is essential to combat prejudice, foster mutual understanding, and improve race relations. This study describes the extent to which political conversations—especially those about race-related topics—are taking place within and across racial and political groups. This national survey with a Black oversample found racially diverse discussion networks to be more likely among Blacks than Whites, but politically diverse networks to be more likely among Whites than Blacks. Blacks were more likely than Whites to talk about race-related topics such as police treatment of Blacks (and less likely about several topics not explicitly tied to race), but by no means did Whites entirely avoid race-related topics, even in their same-race discussions. Moreover, there was evidence that discussion in cross-race dyads affected the mix of topics Whites and Blacks discussed, revealing the potential for cross-race interaction to alter political agendas. Rather than being less likely to talk about police treatment of Blacks with Blacks, Whites were more likely to discuss this topic when in mixed-race dyads, while Blacks talked about it less often with Whites than with other Blacks. Findings are discussed in the context of political disagreement and intergroup contact theory.

This study integrates and builds upon research on moral psychology, entertainment media selection, and political communication that has established a link between political ideology and moral sentiments. An automated content analysis of the lyrics of 37,309 songs across 10 genres assessed the extent of appeals to five different moral domains defined by moral foundations theory. The results of the content analysis are integrated with nationally representative survey data ( N = 1,000) by linking lyrical content with self-reported preference for and exposure to musical genres. We then correlate the content of preferred genres with self-reported moral sentiments and political ideology. We find the moral content of music lyrics in the genres used by respondents is associated with their moral preferences and political ideology.

User control theory predicts that providing freedom in learning increases learning compared to traditional instruction, implying that the Web is more effective for learning than print. Theorists have also argued that navigation through Web sites mimics the associative nature of human memory and information processing—structural isomorphism—suggesting Web superiority. However, studies indicate that hypermedia increases cognitive load and produces disorientation, implying that hypermedia increases cognitive load and produces disorientation, implying that the Web would be less effective for learning than would print. An experiment comparing learning in print versus several Web site designs demonstrated that learning from print as measured by recognition is better than learning from linear and nonlinear Web designs but no different from a design including advisement. No significant differences across media conditions were found using cued recall as the measure of learning. Additional findings suggest that cognitive load inhibits learning, whereas Web expertise facilitates it. Curiously, a learning motivation tended to reduce learning.

A large number of studies have been devoted to the impact of perceptions of opinion distributions on the expression of public opinion. In the present study, we propose that perceptions of opinion distributions have implications that go beyond influencing individual issue stances, also influencing respondents' willingness to engage in political activities. Specifically, we examine the link between opinion perceptions & two dimensions of political participation: participatory behavior involving public expression of opinion, & participatory behavior that does not involve the public expression of a person's opinion. Based on data collected as part of the 1996 American National Election Study, we examine the role that communication variables, group membership, attitude strength, & perceptions of public opinion play in predicting public & nonpublic forms of participation in the US. Implications for research in the areas of political participation & public opinion expression are outlined. 4 Tables, 2 Figures, 29 References. Adapted from the source document.