Abstract This paper explores the role of actors and popular personalities on shaping society, especially when seen on reality TV shows. The author explains the appeal of reality TV and further describes the methodology used in this study. Additionally, the psychological factors of being a viewer of reality TV are discussed. Some of the pitfalls of this research project from a sociological standpoint are presented and analyzed. The paper contains a long discussion on qualitative research and how this approach is applied to this study of reality TV. The paper also contains a chart that categorizes reality TV characters.
Outline:
Methodology
Rationale
Reality TV as a Social Observation Experiment
Conducting Credible Sociological Research
The Nature of Qualitative Research
Reality TV Character Categorization
Transforming Observational Data into Numerical Form
Works Cited
From the Paper " Reality TV is one of the most popular genres in the mass media today. The viewership of these programs increases at an astonishing rate. Reality TV allows the viewer to combine both reality and fantasy in a unique blend. We know that the characters have some effects on the adults that watch. However, until now this subject has received little attention. Some of the characters on reality TV would not be considered role models a major portion of the society. The proposed research will examine the presence of negative role models in British Reality Television."
Abstract This paper focuses on Starhawk's philosophy that language shapes consciousness and consciousness shapes reality. Within the paper it is shown that Starhawk's belief is that language can have a deciding factor on a person's perception of themselves, and through this perception they develop concepts of reality in their consciousness. Therefore, this perception then shapes their reality.
From the Paper "Reality, according to Starhawks, is a state in which we must find definition. It is how we define reality within our consciousness that ultimately determines the type of power that will control our lives. As individuals, what we perceive to be real will be. What we believe to be true will happen. The key to discovering a harmony in life is to come to the realization that people do have a final say in how their lives will be lived, and through the consciousness every individual can make that choice. To understand how this is possible the individual must first comprehend that there are powers in the world. Starhawks contends that there is the "power-over" which is any power that comes from outside of the individual that is controlling."
Abstract This paper examines the reality show phenomenon and considers whether they benefit or harm society, particularly its young people. It discusses the attraction of reality shows and harmful ideas promoted by such shows.
From the Paper "Reality shows like Survivor appeal to people who are concerned about fitting in with the crowd they hold little interest for those who are not influenced by peer pressure. For those who do feel compelled to watch reality shows however the ..."
Abstract This eight page undergraduate paper examines reality TV and its impact on viewers, producers, and the television industry itself. Through summarizing the main content of the reading, the writer shows that a structured analysis can be formulated which confirms that the interest of the television audience drives the process. The writer points out that TV producers react to what the public wants to see, and it is obvious from the ratings success of reality shows that they are very popular.
From the Paper "Conducting an independent study of television is useful and instructive, for it provides an opportunity to analyze the challenges, concepts, and arguments involved concerning reality TV and its impact on viewers, producers, and the television industry itself. Through summarizing the main content of the reading, a structured analysis can be formulated which confirms that the interest of the television audience drives the process. TV producers react to what the public wants to see, and it is obvious from the ratings success of reality shows that they are very popular. In "Addicted to the Tube" author Mark Pizzato's main argument is that people are vulnerable to becoming addicted to television because it stirs the human desire for fantasy and escapism."
This paper looks at the work of Janet Cardiff, examining the ways in which she uses her voice and other sounds to create a false but convincing "virtual" reality.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, 2005, $ 80.95
Abstract This paper examines two of the audio installation works of Canadian artist Janet Cardiff "The Large Slow River" and "Missing Voice" in the context of creating virtual realities. The paper also looks at aspects of the history of recorded sound and voice. In addition, the writer discusses virtual reality as a personal storytelling device. The first page presented in this article is a research proposal.
From the Paper "The creation of virtual reality is an attempt to re-create the world of actual human experiences through digital means, always attempting to make it more and more realistic. Janet Cardiff's work attempts this also, but without using digital visual representations of reality. Instead she uses sounds and words to elicit the memory and pre-existing knowledge of the audience/participant. This process creates an even more realistic "virtual reality," since memory often involves synesthesia, using all five of your own senses and not just the digitally created artificial ones of computer "virtual reality"."
Abstract The representation of reality in Western civilization has shifted at various points over millennia in response to fundamental changes in society and shifts in the paradigm through which people viewed the world around them. In this context, this essay will argue that Boccaccio's "The Decameron" can be seen both participating in the secular humanist movement of the late medieval period, as well as deviating from it with his characteristic preoccupation with the world "as is" as opposed to humanist focus on the "ideal".
Abstract This paper addresses four specific essay questions. These questions range from moral issues concerning birth control to philosophy. The four questions form the part of an argument that either supports or negates the original argument.
Tags: PHILOSOPHY / MORAL PHILOSPHY, philosophy questions answered
This paper addresses five questions from the views of classic philosophers. Human nature and human advantages can be investigated according to the theories of various philosophers, yet in many respects the views of a specific philosopher can best be used
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper addresses five questions from the views of classic philosophers. Human nature and human advantages can be investigated according to the theories of various philosophers, yet in many respects the views of a specific philosopher can best be used to define and describe a particular circumstance. This paper first presents the five questions and then addresses these questions according to the two theories that best suit that given circumstance.
Tags: PHILOSOPHY / COMPARATIVE PHILOSOPHY, five question philosophers
Abstract This paper examines the life and works of Socrates. It gives an historical overview of his doings and analyzes them from a critical philosophical point of view. It describes the questions he raised about God and piety, different forms of truth, and what is rational right and the nature of goodness. It also discusses other famous thinkers of the time such as Plato and Aristotle.
From the Paper "Socrates had long been known for questioning the premises of his society. He was a traveling teacher, who claimed that he knew nothing, and yet managed to preach his unique views through enlightening series of questions that forced whoever he may address to slowly abandon their way of thought and take a fresh look at the world. He was a sweeping, revolutionary force in the world. Unfortunately, the world does not always like revolution. He was brought up on charges on impiety; his accusers claimed that because he questioned certain preconceptions about the gods that he did not believe in them, and that he corrupted the innocent minds of youth. The penalty he faced was death. It was against this truly significant background that he undertook to debate the origin of piety and goodness. On his way to trial, he stopped one Euthyphro, a man proclaimed as a prophet and seer of the gods. "Tell me then, what is the pious, and what the impious, do you say"? (Euthyphro, 5d) This is a vital question not only in terms of Socrates? impending need to defend himself before his judges, but also in the scope of the world. After all, if piety is a supreme virtue, then surely one ought to know what it is. "
Abstract In this paper the author summarizes and reviews David Kessler's "A question of Intent." Kessler's drive to bring tobacco products under the supervision of the FDA makes up a major part of his book. The role of the FDA in the US is described. The author compares Kessler's book to watching a movie--the story is gripping and compelling.
From the Paper "Kessler described the goal of the FDA succinctly once as "safeguarding America's health." However, that responsibility covers a wide range of issues. The agency is concerned with the safety not only of food and drugs but also blood, medical apparatus, make-up and anything that gives off radiation, including televisions and microwave ovens. They assure that medical apparatus works as described by their makers. As Kessler points out, if everyday items malfunction, you simply return them to the store or manufacturer for satisfaction, but when medical devices malfunction, people can die (Shenk, p. 1). "
Tags: David, Kessler, A, Question, of, Intent, FDA
Abstract This paper explores the Christian worldview through its discussion on seven important questions pertinent to Christians everywhere. The author states that only in tackling these questions in the Christian perspective can one comprehend what following the Christian worldview entails.
From the Paper "A Christian world view is intended to be more than just an elaboration of the views of a Christian. It is designed to separate what is factual and what is hearsay, what is true and what is false. Only in delineating reality from mere opinions can all Christians be satisfied in asserting the Christian world view."
Abstract This paper explains that the movie "The Matrix" is a whirlwind of philosophical questions, concepts and thoughts; the greatest of these questions and a fundamental question of all time is "to know or not to know" which is presented in "The Matrix" as, "Which one, the red (knowledge) or the blue (ignorance) pill?" The author points out that this philosophical argument regarding the knowledge of a new reality goes back to Plato's "Myth of the Cave". The paper concludes that knowledge and truth are the two most sought after materials in the world; therefore, the vast majority of people would like to know the answers to life's most asked questions and, being outside the matrix, would choose the red pill as the only way to get them.
From the Paper "Because they do not know anything outsides the "cave", people are happy being prisoners; however, it is evident through Neo and the freed prisoner in Plato's "Myth of the Cave", that once given a taste of the red pill or informed of its existence, one will rarely ever choose the blue pill instead. The red pill offers an escape from the darkness illustrated in the Myth of the Cave and from the dream world of the movie "The Matrix" and, in turn, broadens the boundaries of life, changes the life's rules, opens new doors and presents prospects of great adventure. The red pill in opening one's eyes to a complete new reality is therefore, unmistakably more appealing."
Abstract In this article, the writer provides a research proposal involving a topic dealing with communication, with the field of media studies specifically in mind. Mass communication audiences are under discussion, and from that the research topic was chosen. The topic involves the researching of the reality television phenomenon, with specific focus on South African television in terms of various factors, allowing the researcher the possibility of developing further understanding and academic work on a subject that is relatively new and still falls into the 'unknown' category. The writer concludes that it is visible that the South African reality television analysis is a necessary research study that should be conducted for many reasons, not least of which is the furthering of knowledge involved with broadcasting, communication and the mass media audiences.
Outline:
Introduction
Mass Communication Audiences
Audience Formation
Uses and Gratifications Model
What Gratifications are Sought and Obtained?
The Three Processes
Expectancy-Value Theory
Dependency Theory
Context of the Study
Purpose of the Study
Background of the Study
Relevance of the Topic
Literature Review
Similar Research
Type of Study
Formulation of Research problem, Questions or Hypothesis
Research Problem
Sub-problems
Research questions Methodology
The Research Method
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Collection and Interpretation of Data
Questionnaire Example
Feasibility and Ethics of the Study
Anticipated Findings
Anticipation of Findings
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Anticipated Contribution to Communication
Conclusion
10 SOURCES
From the Paper "It is important to understand what gratifications are actually sought after and obtained in order to further understand the theory. This may be further explained by looking at McQuail's 'Typology of Gratifications Sought and Obtained'. In this typology he names four gratification categories that the public media choices fall into. The first category is information, meaning that the audience exposes themselves to the media product in order to be informed."
"The second category in the typology is that of personal identity. A viewer of the Big Brother program may seek gratification in terms of personal identity by reinforcing personal values regarding sexual abstinence that are echoed in the reality program or by identifying oneself with a featured role model in the show. A third category discussed in the typology is that of integration and social interaction. This category deals with the need people have to be part of a society and have a sense of membership or belonging. McQuail's final category in his typology is entertainment. The need for entertainment may be sought out to divert one's attention from life's problems and struggles or simply to fill time. This is specifically visible in the case of reality television. The gratification model is made up of three processes."
Abstract The paper relates that reality television does not have a moral framework as a motivation for its existence. The paper then examines the perspective of those who create the shows and those who participate and goes on to reveal that reality shows represent probably one of the best sources of profit available to television producers. The paper concludes that despite their questionable morality and the ethical problems they raise, each of these shows have the free consent of their participants. The paper therefore concludes that given the fact that the public enjoys them, the future of the reality shows appears to be bright.
From the Paper "One of the presidents of NBC television stated at one point that "reality programming is not just a fad, it's a trend... and it is a genre that is going to be around for a while" (Madger, 2004, 141). Reality television can indeed be considered to be one of the most innovative and catchy TV programs of the last years. They are willing to capture the every move of an individual and the individual is in his turn willing to share his moves with probably millions of people from around the world or from a certain country. In the last decade, this means of television has become one of the most popular television programs in the world. However, despite its entertainment role, there are several ethical issues concerning this subject, some which must be analyzed in order to assess the degree in which the value of a documentary can be substituted by the one of a reality show."
