The Knowledge Gap Theory of Communication is primarily concerned with the unequal distribution of information throughout society and the correlating access to knowledge pertaining to socioeconomic status. The Knowledge Gap Hypothesis was first proposed in 1970 by three University of Minnesota researchers: Phillip J. Tichenor, then Associate Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, George A. Donohue, Professor of Sociology, and Clarice N. Olien, Instructor in Sociology (Yoo Ri & Southwell, N/A). The hypothesis explains that there is a resulting divide between people of lower and higher socioeconomic status ‘as the infusion of mass media information into a social system increases, higher socioeconomic-status segments tend to acquire this information faster than lower socioeconomic-status population segments so that the gap in knowledge between the two tends to increase rather than decrease’ (Tichenor, Donohue, and Olien, 1970, p159-160). The resulting speed at which people are able to access tradition mass-media compared to modern systems may be surprisingly congruent when underlying education is taken into consideration.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Original Study
- Where the Cycle Begins
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to explore the Knowledge Gap Theory of Communication, focusing on the unequal distribution of information and its correlation with socioeconomic status. It examines the historical development of the theory, presents evidence from empirical studies, and discusses the societal implications of this knowledge gap.
- The unequal distribution of information across socioeconomic groups.
- The role of education, communication skills, and access to media in perpetuating the knowledge gap.
- The impact of the knowledge gap on social mobility, health, and civic participation.
- The long-term consequences and compounding effects of early childhood knowledge disparities.
- The influence of family income and resources on children's cognitive development.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the Knowledge Gap Theory of Communication, which posits that the disparity in information access correlates with socioeconomic status. It highlights the 1970 hypothesis by Tichenor, Donohue, and Olien, emphasizing that higher socioeconomic groups acquire information faster, widening the knowledge gap. The chapter also details factors influencing knowledge acquisition, including communication skills, pre-existing knowledge, social contact, media exposure and understanding, and the power dynamics within media outlets. The five key reasons for the knowledge gap outlined are communication skills, stored information, relevant social contact, selective exposure, and media target markets. The chapter sets the stage for exploring the theory's implications and complexities.
The Original Study: This chapter details a study conducted between 1949 and 1965 by the American Institute of Public Opinion. The study analyzed beliefs about the possibility of a moon landing amongst individuals of varying socioeconomic statuses. The results demonstrated a widening knowledge gap over time, with college-educated individuals significantly more likely to believe in the possibility of a moon landing than those with less education. This disparity highlights the compounding effect of existing knowledge and the reinforcing nature of mass media on existing inequalities. The chapter uses this specific example to visually demonstrate how the knowledge gap widens exponentially over time.
Where the Cycle Begins: This chapter focuses on the early childhood roots of the knowledge gap, arguing that disparities begin to form early in a child's life. It illustrates how socioeconomic circumstances affect early learning, using data showing significant differences in school readiness skills based on socioeconomic status. The chapter discusses the influence of family income on access to resources that foster cognitive development, such as educational materials, activities, and high-quality childcare. The disparity in time spent reading to children, and consequently the number of words experienced early in life, is presented as evidence, showcasing the drastic differences between families of different incomes. It emphasizes that these early knowledge gaps can significantly affect future social mobility, health, and civic engagement.
Keywords
Knowledge Gap Theory, socioeconomic status, information inequality, mass media, communication skills, education, social mobility, cognitive development, early childhood education, family resources.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
This text explores the Knowledge Gap Theory of Communication, focusing on how unequal information distribution correlates with socioeconomic status. It examines the historical development of the theory, presents empirical evidence, and discusses the societal implications of this knowledge gap.
What are the key themes covered in this text?
Key themes include the unequal distribution of information across socioeconomic groups; the roles of education, communication skills, and media access in perpetuating the knowledge gap; the impact of the knowledge gap on social mobility, health, and civic participation; the long-term consequences of early childhood knowledge disparities; and the influence of family income and resources on children's cognitive development.
What are the main chapters and their summaries?
The text includes three main chapters: "Introduction," which introduces the Knowledge Gap Theory and highlights key influencing factors; "The Original Study," detailing a study demonstrating the widening knowledge gap over time regarding belief in a moon landing; and "Where the Cycle Begins," focusing on the early childhood origins of the knowledge gap and the impact of socioeconomic circumstances on early learning.
What is the Knowledge Gap Theory?
The Knowledge Gap Theory posits that the disparity in information access correlates with socioeconomic status. Higher socioeconomic groups tend to acquire information faster, widening the existing knowledge gap over time.
What factors contribute to the knowledge gap?
Several factors contribute to the knowledge gap, including communication skills, pre-existing knowledge, social contacts, selective exposure to media, media understanding, and the power dynamics within media outlets. The text highlights communication skills, stored information, relevant social contact, selective exposure, and media target markets as five key reasons.
How does the knowledge gap affect individuals?
The knowledge gap significantly impacts social mobility, health, and civic participation. Early childhood disparities can have long-term consequences, affecting future opportunities and outcomes.
What role does early childhood play in the knowledge gap?
The text emphasizes that the knowledge gap begins early in childhood. Socioeconomic factors influence early learning, with disparities in access to resources like educational materials and high-quality childcare contributing to the gap. Differences in time spent reading to children are cited as evidence of this early disparity.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Knowledge Gap Theory, socioeconomic status, information inequality, mass media, communication skills, education, social mobility, cognitive development, early childhood education, and family resources.
What is the original study discussed in the text?
The text discusses a study conducted between 1949 and 1965 by the American Institute of Public Opinion that analyzed beliefs about the possibility of a moon landing amongst individuals of varying socioeconomic statuses. This study demonstrated a widening knowledge gap over time, with college-educated individuals significantly more likely to believe in the possibility of a moon landing.
What is the overall conclusion of the text?
The text concludes that the Knowledge Gap Theory is a significant factor in understanding societal inequalities and that addressing this gap requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on early childhood development, improved access to information and resources, and enhanced communication skills.
- Quote paper
- Nick Birch (Author), 2013, The knowledge gap theory of communication, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/269683
