This text presents media effects theory at an introductory level. It provides a broad theoretical overview and integrates social, political, and related social scientific research in a clear and accessible presentation.

Introduction: Does Media Have Effects? Models of Media Effects Media Effects and Crisis Shaping Public Opinion Learning From the Media Socialization Effects Effects of Violent Media Content Effects of Sexually Explicit Media Content Afterword: Social Impacts of New Mass Media Technology

Elizabeth M. Perse (Ph.D., Kent State University, 1987) is Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication at the University of Delaware, Newark. She is currently researching and teaching mass communication theory and the uses of newer communication technologies. She has been identified as a prolific researcher in Communication, having published one scholarly book, two textbooks, and more than 50 journal articles and book chapters. Her research has been published in such journals as Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, Communication Research, Journal of Communication, Human Communication Research, Communication Quarterly, Communication Research Reports, Journalism Quarterly, and Health Communication. She serves on several editorial boards and is a past Chair of the Mass Communication Division of NCA.

Jennifer L. Lambe (Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 2000) is an associate professor in the Communication Department, and a senior fellow of the Center for Political Communication at the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on media policy, freedom of expression, audience attitudes about censorship and the role of audience perceptions of media effects in shaping those attitudes. She has published more than 20 journal articles and book chapters, as well as a number of encyclopedia entries and book reviews. Her work on censorship attitude measurement has been recognized by both academics and practitioners, and reprinted in a communication measures sourcebook. Her research has been published in such journals as Journal of Communication, Communication Law & Policy, First Amendment Studies, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, and Mass Communication & Society. Professor Lambe teaches courses on media law and ethics, media effects, children and media, and media theory.