Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Abstract
A substantial body of literature connects media effects to consumer perceptions of the criminal justice system. Research on the topic of cultivation theory has highlighted that an increased fear of crime within the general populace, due to an exaggeration of violence and criminal activity in the mass media, has spurred increased support for punitive policing, harsher sentencing, and positive feelings toward capital punishment. However, no research exists to explicate the cultivation of consumer perceptions toward the criminal courts. This study examines the impact of media consumption through television, the internet, and social media on consumer evaluations of the criminal courts. Utilizing a national non-full probability sample of 500 White, Black, and Hispanic/Latino respondents, the study examines media effects across race/ethnicity, as well as across political party affiliation. Findings suggest that race/ethnicity and party affiliation mediate the relationship between media consumption and evaluations toward the criminal court system.
Year manuscript completed
2021
Year degree awarded
2021
Author's Keywords
Cultivation Theory, Criminal Justice, Media, Race, Party Affiliation, Quantitative Methodology
Thesis Advisor
Stephen Cox
Committee Member
Frances Smith
Committee Member
Geoffrey Luurs
Document Type
Thesis
Recommended Citation
Elliott, Lindsey Dale, "CULTIVATION THEORY: MEDIA EFFECTS TOWARD CONSUMER EVALUATIONS OF THE CRIMINAL COURTS" (2021). Murray State Theses and Dissertations. 211.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/etd/211
Minor Revisions Needed
Included in
Communication Technology and New Media Commons, Criminology Commons, Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Organizational Communication Commons, Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Influence and Political Communication Commons, Social Media Commons