Framing: Week 1

1. “Applied Mass Communication Theory,” begins quite broadly as one would expect of a mass communication book. Namely, it describes the ways in which all types of people acquire and share knowledge. While the listed terms and ideas are standard fare, I’m interested in discovering how such broad concepts can be applied to the more specific work we will be accomplishing in this program. Interactive Media, at least in regards to theories of mass communication, is the new kid on the block, and it is up to us for the most part to figure out the stark or subtle differences between standard mass comm theory and practical iMedia application. Do the old rules still apply? Tune in next week to find out.

2. In the second chapter, we get into some more specific research principles. Briefly mentioned is the term “causality.” As iMedia students, I think we should pay particular attention to this term, for more than any other medium, iMedia offers the most direct and measurable forms of causality. With interactive media, users get one-to-one immediate feedback. Their actions illicit immediate responses. My question is, how can we use the principles of causality to engage our users at the highest level?

3. In chapter three, we are introduced to the exciting and fascinating world of research methods. The methods vary from the impersonal cluster sampling, to one-to-one interviews. In iMedia, we are in the unique position that we can conduct research using our very own programs. It’s not like newspapers can gauge the reader’s reactions simply from reading the paper. So the question is, can/how do we use our own medium to conduct research? Should we embed hidden trackers? Make the research more apparent to the user? What about the ethical issues?

Tags: framing