Pro-Social Media Effects (McDevitt and Chase Readings)

Question 1

Main Findings

Answer 1

When undertaking civics courses, students who go home and engage in political discussion with their parents, are more likely to pay attention to politics, campaign and political news. An indirect effect is that students will also increase the level of engagement and political knowledge of parents.

Question 2

Variables

Answer 2

1. Independent Variable: Students exposure to civic courses
2. Dependent Variables: student’s political knowledge and participation of students and parents.
   Moderator: socioeconomic status
   Mediator: Political discussion

Question 3

Knowledge Gap Theory

Answer 3

There is a growing political gap between those of high and low socioeconomic status.

Question 4

Trickle-Up

Answer 4

Kids bring information home and share it with parents. Parents then learn and become politically engaged.