Theory and the Spiral of Silence
Theory is the medium via which information is deduced, examined, and distributed. It serves as the foundation for all research inquiries. The essay Twenty-Five Years of the Spiral of Silence: A Conceptual Assessment and Empirical Perspective examines the spiral of silence theory. Since Noelle-Neumann inspired it, the theory has been the focus of countless investigations. The article attempted to validate the claim that "spiral of silence in studies in different cultures have failed to take into account culture specific variables that may mitigate the importance of opinion, that may mitigate the importance of opinion, that may mitigate the importance of opinion, that may mitigate the importance of opinion, perceptions as predictors of individual behavior or attitudes" (Sceufele and Moy 3).
How Well Does the Theory in the Paper Predict Phenomena?
The theory of the Spiral of Silence provides an efficient tool in the prediction of phenomena. To begin with, it accurately predicts the likelihood of speaking out in the community. Thus, it can determine the possibilities and likelihood by which an individual is going to speak out against a given factor in the society. The success of the initiative will nonetheless depend on an adherence to cross-national differences, public exposures, Anonymous public, size of the public. Survey data and Moral loading. Principally, to infer its predictions, the Spiral of Silence theory "rests on the assumption that individuals constantly scan their environment in order to assess the climate of opinion" (Scheufele and Moy 7). The initiative provides them with the metric by which they are able to infer on the possibilities of opinion making and speaking out within the society. Through the analysis of perceptions, predictions can be achieved.
How Well Does the Theory in the Paper Describe Phenomena?
Indeed, the theory provides a succinct description of the phenomena. The definition of the phenomena is predicated in several assumptions which greatly augment the validity of the descriptions that are extended to phenomena. Some of the assumptions that underlie the description of phenomena include the threat of isolation, the fear of isolation, the quasi-statistical sense, the willingness to Speak out and tendency to remain silent, and the spiral of silence (Scheufele and Moy 10). Alternatively, descriptions of the phenomena through the employ of the theory can be inferred if the following factors are take into account:
The moral component of public opinion.
Time factor.
Role of Media.
Alternatively, the success of the theory in describing phenomena is predicated on the fact that it explores the weakness of the premises it engaged in describing the same phenomena and thus preventing the manifestation of unintended consequences. Focus on the intrinsic elements of the object or the phenomena provides the theory with the background that it requires to oversee the efficiency and completion of the analysis. Furthermore, as pillar by which phenomena is described, the theory facilitates the comparison of one element against the other. The initiative augments the arguments that are engaged to further the efficiency of the analysis. For instance, an analysis that entails the examination of both the positive and negative premises of an activity can be the subject of significant success.
Are the Important Constructs well-explicated?
The theory ensures indeed that all of the constructs are well-explicated. For, instance, it addresses the cultural influence over the possibilities and extents of outspokenness. Essentially, how might culture play a role in determining an individual's commitment to speaking out their mind and airing their concerns. Culture is a social construct. It is predicated on the understanding that there are different social elements that may influence an individual's perception of phenomena. The examination of culture prevents the manifestation of bias that might occur if one's source of perception was ignored. Thus, there are studies that "suggest that as a macro-theory, the spiral of silence should be applicable across national boundaries" (Scheufele and Moy 17). The employ of the five assumptions further ensures that the constructs are full examined for viability to determine whether they are applicable to the research demands. The assumptions thus become a point of convergence - a bridge through which information analysis can be streamlined to augment efficiency.
How are Variables Operationalized?
The operationalization of the variables, such as public opinion, provides one of the profound premises of the spiral of silence. Scheufele and Moy indicate that "generally, public expression has been operationalized by some measure of the respondent's willingness to express his or her opinion on a hypothetical situation (14). The operationalization of variables is intended to streamline the inquiry process. Operationalization is thus achieved through correlation of the variable to the phenomenon under examination.
Is the Evidence Supporting the Theory Convincing?
The theory's success is predicated on the evidences that support it. The presence and availability of more than 10 analytical examinations into the spiral of science, serve to reinforce its validity. Additionally, the engagement of valid and observable influences on public speaking acts as n evidence of the theory's commitment to its objectives. Analyses into conceptual problems, problems regarding the measurement of key variables and the varying levels of attention that is paid to the testing of the significant variables (Scheufele and Moy 4).
Work Cited
Scheufele, Dietram and Patricia Moy. “Twenty-Five Years of the Spiral of Silence: A Conceptual Review and Empirical Outlook. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, no. 1, pp. 1-26.
Work Cited
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