Introduction- provide a historical overview of mass media and the concept of how it affects or does not affect people, society, politics, etc. Explain a few different theories on mass media effects and their basic perspectives to show that there are varying viewpoints on the subject. Narrow your focus to the theory chosen and state your thesis.
Explanation- provide the following in detail: 1) who developed the theory, 2)how it came about, 3) what it tries to explain or predict and how it works, 4) how it applies to traditional and new media, 5) how it differs from other theories that may be similar or that try to explain the same phenomenon.
Evaluation- this section is the guts of the report. Evaluate the validity of the theory. Based on the premise of the theory and the results found in your research, you will determine if the theory has any validity or not. In other words, you will make a decision as to whether the theory is a practical way of explaining or predicting mass media effects. You will also provide reasons why it is practical or not along with alternatives to the theory that may explain the phenomenon in more detail.
Summary- what can you conclude from your analysis? Is there something about the theory or how people may be affected by mass media, or about the way people use media today that helps explain why theories of mass media effects do or do not apply so well to all media? Address the societal implications that mass media will have on the future of society based on the premise of the theory.
Introduction, explanation, evaluation, and summary are to be separated into sections.
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