Gerbner and cultivation theory

Overview

Gerbner's first key idea, gerbner's second key idea and mean world syndrome.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Whose theory argues that long-term exposure to media shapes how people see the world?

   Model answer

   George Gerbner's cultivation theory makes this argument. Gerbner studied the cumulative effect of heavy television viewing.

2. 2

   State Gerbner's first key idea.

   Model answer

   Gerbner argues that repeated patterns of representation over long periods shape how people perceive the world. Cultivation works gradually rather than through a single exposure.

3. 3

   State Gerbner's second key idea.

   Model answer

   Gerbner argues that cultivation reinforces mainstream values and dominant ideologies. Television pulls heavy viewers towards a shared outlook.

4. 4

   What is meant by cultivation?

   Model answer

   Cultivation is the slow shaping of beliefs by consistent patterns in media content. The effect resembles growth rather than impact.

5. 5

   Why does Gerbner emphasise the long term?

   Model answer

   A single programme changes little, but decades of similar messages establish expectations. Gerbner measures accumulated exposure rather than one text.

6. 6

   What is mean world syndrome?

   Model answer

   Mean world syndrome is the belief that the world is more dangerous than it really is. Heavy exposure to violent content is said to cultivate it.

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