Sociology Chapter 15 Vocabulary

Match the definition with the correct term.

• Agenda Setting

• žBelief that as more people accept common opinions the people who disagree are less likely to voice their opinions.

• Gatekeepers

• žMedia executives, editors or reporters who can open or close the “gate” on a particular news story.

• Mass Media

• žThe argument that the media sets the boundaries of public debate by deciding which issues will receive coverage and which will not.

• Spiral of Silence

• žForms of communication that reach large audiences without personal contact.

• Media Convergence

• žThe idea that mass media are merging and are no longer a separate entities.

What is the gap between those with access to new technologies and those without?

• Mass Media

• Digital Divide

• Spiral of Silence

• Knowledge-Gap Hypothesis

What perspective says that mass media performs functions that support the stability and smooth operation of society?

• conflict

• functionalist

• spiral of silence

• digital divide

What is it called when some people have access to high speed internet and others do not?

• spiral of silence

• media convergence

• digital divide

• gatekeepers

Which of the following are gatekeepers? Choose all that are correct.

• News reporters

• Media executive

• TV viewer

• Podcaster

According to the knowledge-gap hypothesis, who gets information first? Choose all that are correct.

• wealthy

• middle class

• better-educated

• high school dropouts