Theories, Theoretical Constructs, Concepts and Models in Mass Communication Theory Foundations, Ferment and Future by Stanley J. Baran and Dennis K. Davis. Essay Example
HILARY JOHNSON CHUKWUMA CHUKWURAH
INTRODUCTION
In the universe of textbooks on Mass Communication theories, Stanley J. Baran’s and Dennis K. Davis’, Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future stands out. A 456-page compendium on Communication theories, the book is down-to-earth, dishing and distilling various Mass Communication/media theories that were propounded by communication/media scholars and practitioners over time. The book is a communication theory Bible of a sort, which has endeared it to a wide spectrum of media scholars and students. From prologue to epilogue, this book does not hide the fact that it is a compendium on Mass Communication theory.
UNDERSTANDING THEORIES
Theory is germane to understanding Mass Communication as well as any other discipline. It was Kurt Lewin, a leading social psychology scholar who postulated that, “there is nothing as practical as a good theory.” This is because as Abraham Kaplan would say, “Theory is a way of making sense out of a disturbing situation.” British philosopher, Karl Pooper observed that, “…theories are nets cast to catch what we call the world.” Em Griffin in his book, A First Look At Communication Theory (1991:5f) observed that good theories:
1. Synthesizes data, focuses our attention on what is crucial, and helps us ignore that which makes little difference.
2. Explains why.
3. Predicts what will happen (warning that predictions about human behaviours are never perfect).
4. Good theory is testable.
5. A Creative theory stimulates the curiosity of those with a flair for research.
6. A good theory is simple.
7. A good theory is useful.
MAJORING IN MAJORS: A REVIEW OF STANLEY J. BARAN’S AND DENNIS K. DAVIS’ MASS COMMUNICATION THEORIES – FOUNDATIONS, FERMENT AND FUTURE
Defining theories Stanley J. Baran and Denis K. Davis (2012:13) cites Turner (1998:1) as having observed that scientists, physical or social deal inn theory. Theories are, therefore, stories about how and why
INTRODUCTION
In the universe of textbooks on Mass Communication theories, Stanley J. Baran’s and Dennis K. Davis’, Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future stands out. A 456-page compendium on Communication theories, the book is down-to-earth, dishing and distilling various Mass Communication/media theories that were propounded by communication/media scholars and practitioners over time. The book is a communication theory Bible of a sort, which has endeared it to a wide spectrum of media scholars and students. From prologue to epilogue, this book does not hide the fact that it is a compendium on Mass Communication theory.
UNDERSTANDING THEORIES
Theory is germane to understanding Mass Communication as well as any other discipline. It was Kurt Lewin, a leading social psychology scholar who postulated that, “there is nothing as practical as a good theory.” This is because as Abraham Kaplan would say, “Theory is a way of making sense out of a disturbing situation.” British philosopher, Karl Pooper observed that, “…theories are nets cast to catch what we call the world.” Em Griffin in his book, A First Look At Communication Theory (1991:5f) observed that good theories:
1. Synthesizes data, focuses our attention on what is crucial, and helps us ignore that which makes little difference.
2. Explains why.
3. Predicts what will happen (warning that predictions about human behaviours are never perfect).
4. Good theory is testable.
5. A Creative theory stimulates the curiosity of those with a flair for research.
6. A good theory is simple.
7. A good theory is useful.
MAJORING IN MAJORS: A REVIEW OF STANLEY J. BARAN’S AND DENNIS K. DAVIS’ MASS COMMUNICATION THEORIES – FOUNDATIONS, FERMENT AND FUTURE
Defining theories Stanley J. Baran and Denis K. Davis (2012:13) cites Turner (1998:1) as having observed that scientists, physical or social deal inn theory. Theories are, therefore, stories about how and why