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Connecting interpersonal and mass communication: Science news exposure, perceived ability to understand science, and conversation

Publication ,  Journal Article
Southwell, BG; Torres, A
Published in: Communication Monographs
September 1, 2006

We present experimental data (n = 667) supporting three hypotheses that link science news, perceptions about science, and talk with other people. Regular television news viewers were recruited from a midsize Designated Market Area using random digit dialing, and were randomly assigned to one of three science news exposure conditions. As hypothesized, science television news exposure appears to boost perceived ability to understand science. We also find that perceived ability to understand science, in turn, predicts conversations about science. We note connections to literature on the role of talk in mass communication effects and encourage future work in this vein. © 2006 National Communication Association.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Communication Monographs

DOI

EISSN

1479-5787

ISSN

0363-7751

Publication Date

September 1, 2006

Volume

73

Issue

3

Start / End Page

334 / 350

Related Subject Headings

  • Communication & Media Studies
  • 4701 Communication and media studies
  • 2001 Communication and Media Studies
  • 1903 Journalism and Professional Writing
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Southwell, B. G., & Torres, A. (2006). Connecting interpersonal and mass communication: Science news exposure, perceived ability to understand science, and conversation. Communication Monographs, 73(3), 334–350. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637750600889518
Southwell, B. G., and A. Torres. “Connecting interpersonal and mass communication: Science news exposure, perceived ability to understand science, and conversation.” Communication Monographs 73, no. 3 (September 1, 2006): 334–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/03637750600889518.
Southwell, B. G., and A. Torres. “Connecting interpersonal and mass communication: Science news exposure, perceived ability to understand science, and conversation.” Communication Monographs, vol. 73, no. 3, Sept. 2006, pp. 334–50. Scopus, doi:10.1080/03637750600889518.

Published In

Communication Monographs

DOI

EISSN

1479-5787

ISSN

0363-7751

Publication Date

September 1, 2006

Volume

73

Issue

3

Start / End Page

334 / 350

Related Subject Headings

  • Communication & Media Studies
  • 4701 Communication and media studies
  • 2001 Communication and Media Studies
  • 1903 Journalism and Professional Writing