Communication Theories

Media Communication Theories: A Study Guide

As you prepare for your upcoming exams, this guide will help you understand how to apply media communication theories in your analysis. Remember, these theories are tools to help you make sense of media works retrospectively.

Key Points to Remember

Communication theories provide a clear structure for analyzing media in your responses.

Media makers rarely use theory to inform their work. If you claim they did, you need strong evidence to support your claim.

We use media communication theories retrospectively to analyze media works.

Applying Theories in Your Writing

Identify the Theory: Clearly state which theory you're using to analyze the media work.

Explain the Theory: Briefly describe the key points of the theory.

Apply the Theory: Show how the theory helps explain or interpret the media work.

Provide Evidence: Use specific examples from the media work to support your analysis.

Consider Limitations: Discuss any limitations of the theory in explaining the media work.

Important Reminder

These theories are tools for analysis, not prescriptive rules. Different theories may offer different insights into the same media work. Your job is to use them thoughtfully to develop a well-reasoned analysis.

For a more detailed summary of some important and useful Communication Theories, download this document.

Most Useful Theories

Hypodermic Needle Theory

Agenda Setting Function Theory

Cultivation Theory

Spiral of Silence

Propaganda Model

Reinforcement Theory

Two-step Flow Theory

Uses and Gratification Theory

Semiotics

Encoding/Decoding