1.
Audience
Response Theory
What is the Hypodermic needle model?
The hypodermic needle model is the theory that the media
can be used to influence the audiences’ way of thinking. Certain media messages
can evoke a response, like fear or hatred. It could also be used to change
people’s morals, for instance a story that involves the main character doing
something good or heroic when others would flee and leave a criminal to his
fate. This can also be used to make the people think in uniform way of
thinking.
An example would be the 1930’s and 40’s Nazi propaganda.
They would use Radio, newspapers, TV programs, films and posters to change or
alter the mass population views on the Nazi party and on the Jewish population.
They brainwashed the people by constantly pressurizing them with media
repeating the same massage over a long period of time. People began to believe
the messages and popularity with the Nazi party swelled as the hatred against
the Jews rose.
What is the gratifications theory?
The Gratifications
theory is the theory that the audience control what the media produces, based
on what they want or use. The individual may not enjoy or have the same
interest in curtain humour as most others, so there would be more TV shows base
on the majority rather than the minority For instance a craze or topic has
become vastly popular. TV shows would change to fit in with the fad, like
totally LMAO LOL #BandAid30. Another effect of this would be how long a TV show
lasts. For instance a new TV show comes out but no one is interested by it.
That show would be cancelled for a more popular replacement. In this sense the
public have control over the media.
What is the reception theory?
Reception theory is
study of the understanding between the reader’s interpretation and artist’s intended
message using the medium. There are many factors that could change the meaning
between individual’s interpretations. One may be culture. Being brought up in
separate places may cause personalities to change, thus changing how we perceive
things.
Explain passive & active consumption.
Active consumption is the theory that certain media shows
have ways for the viewer to interact with the program. This means that the
message of the show is probably up for debate but the message isn’t just
blindly followed by the audience. One way of interaction is through social
networking sites such as twitter, these shows would be like question time and
so on.
Passive consumption
is when the media product cannot interact with the view for instance a documentary;
the viewer will have to take the documentary’s word for it.
Preferred, Oppositional and Negotiated responses?
Preferred response is were the mass majority agree on a certain view point for instance war. The preferred opinion of war is that its a tear-able thing that should ot be declared unless necessary like WW2.
Negotiated response is were some would disagree with the opinion stated and would argue or explain their own opinion less popular or not.
Oppositional response is the audience that isn't the main target audience of the product but will still be offended or have a negative view on the product, an example would be moral reasons.
How might the audience react to two controversial games?
Hatred is a hyper violent 18+ game were you play a serial
killer. Most people will be repulsed to play a game that mirrors a serial
killers life, however the other side will defend the game likely saying
escapism or it’s just a game that has no effect on our minds and for those who are, are mentally unstable.
Pokémon is a famous
pop culture phenomenon that has sparked controversy over the years, mainly
animal cruelty that has resulted in PITA (People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals) to make two parodies of the video game. Most people are unaware that
their children could be playing a psychologically damaging game.
Are these responses defined as preferred, oppositional and negotiated
responses?
Hatred is most definitely a oppositional response as
people, such as parents and non-gamers would be horrified at the thought of
children playing such games, as well as the fact that playing a game were you
mainly kill innocent people is unsettling. They would criticise the game even
though it’s not targeted at them.
Pokémon has the
preferred response that it’s a fun kid’s adventure game but there are some
negotiated response to it saying it promotes animal cruelty, racism and
witchcraft.
The first controversial video game I’m going to explain is from the Pokémon Franchise. The Pokémon
franchise has had many controversial issues over the years. Episodes have been
ban in Anime for sexual, violent and epilepsy educing scenes, as well as being
accused of having racist stereotyped characters that had to be re-edited and
most notably being accused of promoting animal cruelty. So this leads to a
question. Is Pokémon safe for a young age?
The premise of having an animal like creatures being
caught in the wild and being pitched against each other in battles until one
eventually falls, comes across to some as promoting animal cruelty. They fear
that the kids that this is targeted to may be desensitised to animal violence
and miss treatment. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has
parodied Pokémon games twice.
The second is a parody of “Pokémon X and Y” called “Pokémon
red white and blue”. It has a very strong animal equality messages and shows
people in modern day society as animal beating monsters. The Pokémon are beaten
and bloody and the people they fight are usually covered in blood and look like
criminals or cannibals. Some of the attacks for the Pokémon have changed, for
instance they can choose attacks like protest or group hug, while their enemies
attacks are cage or butcher. This presents the Pokémon as the peaceful loving
people that stand up against animal cruelty which is represented by their
enemies which are obviously mean to be MacDonald employees as PETA also hates MacDonald
and uses this game to knock two birds with one stone.
However, mass amounts of people disagree with that
opinion as the general preferred opinion is that the Pokémon are not harmed and
that there is no negative effect on children from Pokémon X and Y. Some people
also find Pokémon red, white and blue to be preachy or at least earnest at
best. This is best represented through a play through liked in the references.
The second controversial video game I’m going to talk
about is a game called “Hatred”. Hatred is a game completely based on you
killing innocent citizens and police as you go on a killing spree as a serial
killer. This game has an age rating of +18 but some believe that even people
+18 should not be allowed to play the game.
However the other side of the argument says that there
are games like GTA5 that have you kill civilians and police too. The only
difference is that in GTA5 you are robbing a bank or also killing criminals,
you could even start killing at random. So what makes one more acceptable than
the other? Although GTA5 has also been criticised for the same reasons. People
argue that it is no more violent than films that are also 18+ and that decade
long studies have been performed to show that video games are not violent and
that it acts like a form of escapism.
Here is some research I done
myself using questionnaires.
How old are you?
Answer Choices–
Responses–
–
66.67%
–
33.33%
–
0.00%
–
0.00%
–
0.00%
Total
6
Q2
Answer Choices–
Responses–
–
16.67%
–
33.33%
–
16.67%
–
0.00%
–
33.33%
Total
6
Q3
Answer Choices–
Responses–
–
60.00%
–
60.00%
–
60.00%
–
40.00%
–
40.00%
–
40.00%
Total Respondents: 5
Q4
–
Fun for all ages–
12+–
16+–
18+–
Not even adults should play–
Total–
Average Rating–
–
0.00%
0.00%
33.33%
66.67%
0.00%
3
3.67
–
66.67%
33.33%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
3
1.33
–
0.00%
0.00%
40.00%
60.00%
0.00%
5
3.60
–
100.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
6
1.00
–
0.00%
16.67%
33.33%
50.00%
0.00%
6
3.33
Q5
This research shows me that out of the 6 people that
completed the questionnaire in my class a majority of them don’t play that many
video games with only 2 on the more regular side of playing games although most
own at least one gaming platform. As a result of the majority not being
interested in games, half the overall comments for Pokémon were that they hadn't played it and don’t have strong feelings over it, the rest range from an
alright to a good game. 66.67% would allow all ages to play it with only 33.33%
saying only 12+ should play.
For hatred, 2 didn't know what it was, 2 found it brutal
and awful, 1 was indifferent and the last was looking forward to it. 60%
thought the game should be for 18+ while 40% thought it should be for 16+.
When it came to question 7 (Do you think that exposure to
violent media desensitises you?), 1 person didn't understand the question, 1
was indifferent, 2 disagreed and 2 agreed. However when it came to video games
causing crime 1 was indifferent, 1 was sure and 4 said sometimes depending on
circumstances showing that the general opinion is split whether video games
desensitise you but when it came to video games promoting crime most people
agreed that it depends on the situation.
We recorded some of the participants reaction to watching clips of some controversial games.
The response seems to be OK with the sex scene itself with only a few questions on whether this relay adds to the game or game play as they described it more as a cut scene. Overall the comments would consist of its no worse then TV or movies and that kids or anyone under 18 should not play this.
The response seems to be Mixed with differing points and opinion. Some people brought up the point that it may cause mentality unstable to try and recreate it, however some said that a mentally unstable person would probably snap anyway. Overall the comments would say that if you found it emotionally distressing you can always skip it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvu0n2FJWYg&feature=youtu.be
My reaction to the game was mildly disapproving as i repeated "its a bit extreme" however in my after thoughts i did defend this games right to exist. i brought up examples of other games that do the same thing but the people are soldiers and i asked why that made it more or less morally right. my overall opinion is that this game can be enjoyed by those the right ages and that those under 18 should not play such an ultra violent game.
References
1. Audience Response Theory
Preferred response is were the mass majority agree on a certain view point for instance war. The preferred opinion of war is that its a tear-able thing that should ot be declared unless necessary like WW2.
Negotiated response is were some would disagree with the opinion stated and would argue or explain their own opinion less popular or not.
Oppositional response is the audience that isn't the main target audience of the product but will still be offended or have a negative view on the product, an example would be moral reasons.
The first controversial video game I’m going to explain is from the Pokémon Franchise. The Pokémon
franchise has had many controversial issues over the years. Episodes have been
ban in Anime for sexual, violent and epilepsy educing scenes, as well as being
accused of having racist stereotyped characters that had to be re-edited and
most notably being accused of promoting animal cruelty. So this leads to a
question. Is Pokémon safe for a young age?
The premise of having an animal like creatures being
caught in the wild and being pitched against each other in battles until one
eventually falls, comes across to some as promoting animal cruelty. They fear
that the kids that this is targeted to may be desensitised to animal violence
and miss treatment. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has
parodied Pokémon games twice.
The second is a parody of “Pokémon X and Y” called “Pokémon
red white and blue”. It has a very strong animal equality messages and shows
people in modern day society as animal beating monsters. The Pokémon are beaten
and bloody and the people they fight are usually covered in blood and look like
criminals or cannibals. Some of the attacks for the Pokémon have changed, for
instance they can choose attacks like protest or group hug, while their enemies
attacks are cage or butcher. This presents the Pokémon as the peaceful loving
people that stand up against animal cruelty which is represented by their
enemies which are obviously mean to be MacDonald employees as PETA also hates MacDonald
and uses this game to knock two birds with one stone.
However, mass amounts of people disagree with that
opinion as the general preferred opinion is that the Pokémon are not harmed and
that there is no negative effect on children from Pokémon X and Y. Some people
also find Pokémon red, white and blue to be preachy or at least earnest at
best. This is best represented through a play through liked in the references.
The second controversial video game I’m going to talk
about is a game called “Hatred”. Hatred is a game completely based on you
killing innocent citizens and police as you go on a killing spree as a serial
killer. This game has an age rating of +18 but some believe that even people
+18 should not be allowed to play the game.
The trailer has received a lot of dislikes reaching over
19 thousand as it stands. The game has come under fire for its hyper violence
in media worldwide. Many people worry whether allowing this game may lead to a
mentally unstable person doing it in reality, as other homicide murders have
been suspected of being triggered or trained by video games, like certain videos
have stated in my references.
However the other side of the argument says that there
are games like GTA5 that have you kill civilians and police too. The only
difference is that in GTA5 you are robbing a bank or also killing criminals,
you could even start killing at random. So what makes one more acceptable than
the other? Although GTA5 has also been criticised for the same reasons. People
argue that it is no more violent than films that are also 18+ and that decade
long studies have been performed to show that video games are not violent and
that it acts like a form of escapism.
Here is some research I done
myself using questionnaires.
How old are you?
·
Answered: 6
·
Skipped: 0
17 Under18-2526-4545-5960+
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Answer Choices–
|
Responses–
|
–
17 Under
|
66.67%
4
|
–
18-25
|
33.33%
2
|
–
26-45
|
0.00%
0
|
–
45-59
|
0.00%
0
|
–
60+
|
0.00%
0
|
Total
|
6
|
Q2
Do you play video games?
·
Answered: 6
·
Skipped: 0
Never. (I've
heard of them)
I have played
some video...
I play them
casually....
I play them
regularly....
Frequently.
(Everyday fo...
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Answer Choices–
|
Responses–
|
–
Never. (I've heard of them)
|
16.67%
1
|
–
I have played some video games. (On
occasion)
|
33.33%
2
|
–
I play them casually. (Weekly)
|
16.67%
1
|
–
I play them regularly. (Daily
or every other day)
|
0.00%
0
|
–
Frequently. (Everyday for hours)
|
33.33%
2
|
Total
|
6
|
Q3
Do you own or play games on the following platforms?
·
Answered: 5
·
Skipped: 1
PCNintendoXBoxPlaystation
Iphone or
Android
Other (please
specify)
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%
Answer Choices–
|
Responses–
|
–
PC
|
60.00%
3
|
–
Nintendo
|
60.00%
3
|
–
XBox
|
60.00%
3
|
–
Playstation
|
40.00%
2
|
–
Iphone or Android
|
40.00%
2
|
–
Other (please specify)
|
40.00%
2
|
Total Respondents: 5
|
Q4
What age group would you categorize these games into?
·
Answered: 6
·
Skipped: 0
Grand Theft
Auto
PokémonHatredMarioCall of duty
012345
–
|
Fun for all ages–
|
12+–
|
16+–
|
18+–
|
Not even adults should play–
|
Total–
|
Average Rating–
|
–
Grand Theft Auto
|
0.00%
0
|
0.00%
0
|
33.33%
1
|
66.67%
2
|
0.00%
0
|
3
|
3.67
|
–
Pokémon
|
66.67%
2
|
33.33%
1
|
0.00%
0
|
0.00%
0
|
0.00%
0
|
3
|
1.33
|
–
Hatred
|
0.00%
0
|
0.00%
0
|
40.00%
2
|
60.00%
3
|
0.00%
0
|
5
|
3.60
|
–
Mario
|
100.00%
6
|
0.00%
0
|
0.00%
0
|
0.00%
0
|
0.00%
0
|
6
|
1.00
|
–
Call of duty
|
0.00%
0
|
16.67%
1
|
33.33%
2
|
50.00%
3
|
0.00%
0
|
6
|
3.33
|
Q5
What do you think about the game "Hatred"?
·
Answered: 6
·
Skipped: 0
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?
s
Showing 6 responses
i can't wait for it to be released
seem like so much fun
12/2/2014 11:21 AM View respondent's answers
never heard of it..
12/2/2014 11:10 AM View respondent's answers
meh
12/2/2014 11:07 AM View respondent's answers
I only saw the trailer... Looks
brutal
12/2/2014 11:06 AM View respondent's answers
sounds awful
12/2/2014 11:04 AM View respondent's answers
don't know it
12/2/2014 10:50 AM View respondent's answers
Q6
What do you think about the game "Pokémon"?
·
Answered: 6
·
Skipped: 0
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s
Showing 6 responses
have not actually played it but seems
like a good nights craic
12/2/2014 11:21 AM View respondent's answers
never played it .. but it sounds fun?
12/2/2014 11:10 AM View respondent's answers
meh
12/2/2014 11:07 AM View respondent's answers
Never played it... Not my kind of
game.. But it's still popular for such an old franchise.
12/2/2014 11:06 AM View respondent's answers
fun and challenging
12/2/2014 11:04 AM View respondent's answers
very good and easy to understand
12/2/2014 10:50 AM View respondent's answers
Q7
Do you think that exposure to violent media desensitises you?
·
Answered: 6
·
Skipped: 0
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s
Showing 6 responses
yes
12/2/2014 11:21 AM View respondent's answers
i duno what desensitises means..
12/2/2014 11:10 AM View respondent's answers
meh
12/2/2014 11:07 AM View respondent's answers
Nerp
12/2/2014 11:06 AM View respondent's answers
yes
12/2/2014 11:04 AM View respondent's answers
no
12/2/2014 10:50 AM View respondent's answers
Q8
Would you say video games would cause a person to commit crime?
·
Answered: 6
·
Skipped: 0
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s
Showing 6 responses
depends on the person
12/2/2014 11:21 AM View respondent's answers
it can do..
12/2/2014 11:10 AM View respondent's answers
meh
12/2/2014 11:07 AM View respondent's answers
Well considering I heard some
stories, yes :)
12/2/2014 11:06 AM View respondent's answers
depends on the type of game. GTA-yes,
Animal crossing- no
12/2/2014 11:04 AM View respondent's answers
sometimes
12/2/2014 10:50 AM View respondent's answers
This research shows me that out of the 6 people that
completed the questionnaire in my class a majority of them don’t play that many
video games with only 2 on the more regular side of playing games although most
own at least one gaming platform. As a result of the majority not being
interested in games, half the overall comments for Pokémon were that they hadn't played it and don’t have strong feelings over it, the rest range from an
alright to a good game. 66.67% would allow all ages to play it with only 33.33%
saying only 12+ should play.
For hatred, 2 didn't know what it was, 2 found it brutal
and awful, 1 was indifferent and the last was looking forward to it. 60%
thought the game should be for 18+ while 40% thought it should be for 16+.
When it came to question 7 (Do you think that exposure to
violent media desensitises you?), 1 person didn't understand the question, 1
was indifferent, 2 disagreed and 2 agreed. However when it came to video games
causing crime 1 was indifferent, 1 was sure and 4 said sometimes depending on
circumstances showing that the general opinion is split whether video games
desensitise you but when it came to video games promoting crime most people
agreed that it depends on the situation.
We recorded some of the participants reaction to watching clips of some controversial games.
The response seems to be OK with the sex scene itself with only a few questions on whether this relay adds to the game or game play as they described it more as a cut scene. Overall the comments would consist of its no worse then TV or movies and that kids or anyone under 18 should not play this.
The response seems to be Mixed with differing points and opinion. Some people brought up the point that it may cause mentality unstable to try and recreate it, however some said that a mentally unstable person would probably snap anyway. Overall the comments would say that if you found it emotionally distressing you can always skip it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvu0n2FJWYg&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvu0n2FJWYg&feature=youtu.be
References
