1. Media Effects March 29, 2016

2. Historical background Rise of Hitler Propaganda (WWII and cold war) Spread of television Development of psychology Conclusion: large effects expected

3. Research on election campaigns Major effect: strengthen predispositions Cycle of attention Why? – Focus on information supporting views – Influence of family and friends – Low levels of attention – skepticism

4. Stability and change in opinions “Minimal effects model” – Opinions based on social position, history – Media promotes stability Examples of opinion change – Long term – Short term

5. Recent Research Impact of Fox News on Republican vote for House of Representatives – Mobilization of Republican-inclined voters Impact of newspaper endorsements Only “surprising” ones matter

6. Other media effects Agenda setting – Telling people “what to think about” – Political effects of agenda setting Range of “reasonable” views – Importance of recognition by mainstream media – Influences Expert opinion – Example of American Psychiatric Association and homosexuality