Audience: Effects Theory

 1) Write a definition of a passive audience: 

Passive: This is the view that audiences passively take in information from the media and that these messages have the same effect on everyone.
2) Write a definition of an active audience: 

Active: This is the more modern and generally accepted view that audiences interact with and make conscious choices regarding the media they consume.

3) Write a definition of the hypodermic needle theory: 

This is the suggestion that audiences are always passive and therefore take the intended message from the producer as if it was injected into their minds. This assumes no individual difference in audience members. 

4) Write down a media product (e.g. TV show, newspaper or videogame) for each category of Blumler and Katz's Uses and Gratifications theory and WHY it fits that particular audience use/gratification. The first one is done for you: 

INFORMATION/SURVEILLANCE: Media text - The Times newspaper
 > Why: It tells audiences important information about politics, the world and more.

INFORMATION / SURVEILLANCE

Watching Blue Planet II imparts viewers with factual knowledge regarding ocean life, ecosystems, and animals, while also shedding light on environmental issues. It appeals to interests of curiosity, scientific interest, and desire to learn about the natural world. The rich visuals and narration bring current, credible information about marine biodiversity.

• ENTERTAINMENT / ESCAPISM

The scenery beneath the water is striking, and so is the action of the sea creatures, which is visually very appealing and engaging. For many viewers, it presents an opportunity to temporarily step out of the hectic pace of life and be whisked away into another world, at times filled with awe. Beauty and grandeur, coupled with cinematic pacing, make it ideal for pure enjoyment and/or relaxation.

• PERSONAL IDENTITY OR IDEOLOGICAL / VALUES-ORIENTATION

Nature-loving viewers who care about the welfare of animals and conservation of the environment might find that the themes of the documentary reflect their values and, in that respect, reinforce them. It might help build a sense of identity, like being someone who cares about the planet and wants to learn more about conservation. It may foster empathy with wildlife and commitment to environmental values.

• SOCIAL INTERACTION / INTEGRATION

People watch such documentaries as Blue Planet II in groups-family, friends-or afterwards discuss what they learned: interesting facts, favourite creatures, environmental concerns. It gives material for conversation, sharing, and group bonding. It may also lead to social action or group interest-especially with topics like ocean health and conservation-such as community discussions, activism, and school projects

Audience: Reception Theory

 1) What is the preferred reading of a media text?

The literal or surface meaning

2) What is the oppositional reading of a media text?

When someone rejects the preferred meaning and takes it the other way

3) How does the Harry Brown trailer position the audience to respond to the teenage characters in the film?

The Harry Brown trailer shows that teenagers as violent and out of control which makes the audience see them as the bad guys. This encourages the oppositional to reading leading to amuse judge the teenagers harshly and feel sympathetic towards Harry

4) Why might young people reject this reading and construct an oppositional reading of the trailer?

This reading is most likely to be rejected by use because it is unfair stereotyping of teens as violent to them the trail is very exaggerated and one-sided so they often generate an oppositional reading instead

5) Write a 150+ word analysis of the McDonald's advert using preferred, negotiated and oppositional readings.

The following is a McDonald's advertisement for the Big Mac, positioned as other than just fast food; it is "a meal disguised as a sandwich." The preferred reading is that the Big Mac is a high-quality, filling, and satisfying product. The close-up image of the burger, with its neatly stacked layers and fresh-looking ingredients, encourages viewers to see it as appealing, substantial, and worth buying. The copy mentions the "two all-beef patties," "special sauce," and "freshly toasted bun" to make sure the audience marvels at the craftsmanship and taste.

A negotiated reading might accept that the burger looks tempting but remain somewhat sceptical. Viewers may recognize that McDonald's is attempting to make its Big Mac appear premium but still know that these are advertisements and they often stretch facts. They may think the burger looks good in the picture but doubt it will look as flawless in a real-life setting, or they might like McDonald's food yet question how healthy the food truly is.

An oppositional reading completely rejects the message of this ad. For instance, one might interpret this ad as manipulative because McDonald's is selling an unhealthy, mass-produced product by dressing it up with big words. They would interpret the ad to boost over-consumption and show that the company prioritizes profits over public health. According to this view, the slick image conceals nutritional concerns and fast food production realities.

Demographics and Psychographics

 1) What information do media companies use to create a demographic profile of their audience?

They use  age, D.O.B, social class, race, profession and, home

2) Why are media companies and advertisers increasingly using audience profiling and not just demographics?

Because it is easy to profile them and is way quirkier.  

3) What are the seven different Psychographic groups? 

mainstream, the aspirer, the reformer, the explorer, the succeeder, the resigned, the struggler.

4) Write a brief summary of what each Psychographic group is seeking or motivated by.

the aspirer=materialistic, the reformer=independent judgement, the explorer=new ideas, the succeeder=self-confidence, the resigned=survive, the struggler= victims, the mainstream=we rather than me 

5) What psychographic group or groups do YOU belong in? Think about your own interests and lifestyle and explain your decision. Remember, you may fit into two or three different groups! 

think i belong in the reformer because i only valuing my judgement not what other people think about me. and also in the succeeder because im am very organised. 

demographic research

 

Age = set for 12-16

Gender = mostly meant for male but any one can watch it if they want 

Social class = any social class can watch this show 

race/ethnicity = any race can watch this tv show

Job = you would need a job to pay for Netflix which is £12.99

home = this was set in Miami, Florida in 2006 -2013

  

learner response