The Impact of Mass Media Upon Public Opinion.

The history of public opinion and mass media is briefly covered to set the background for a closer look at the factors which influence the formation of attitudes and opinions. The meaning of public opinion and the environmental factors that influence public opinion are examined. Foremost are the family church, school and peer groups. The primary mass media instruments, television, radio and the newspaper are examined to determine if a quantitative measurement can be applied to their influence on public opinion. Modified author abstract