Sociology Chapter 15 Vocabulary

Match the definition with the correct term.

• Agenda Setting

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

• Media Convergence

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

• Gatekeepers

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

• Spiral of Silence

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

• Mass Media

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

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