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Behind the Message: Information Strategies for Communicators
Kathleen A. Hansen, University of Minnesota
Nora Paul, University of Minnesota

ISBN-10: 0205386806
ISBN-13: 9780205386802

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Copyright: 2004
Format: Paper; 336 pp
Published: 07/21/2003

Suggested retail price: $73.20
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This successor to Search Strategies in Mass Communication provides a conceptual approach to information-gathering and practical methods for navigating through information tools and techniques.

Behind the Message is a thoroughly revised and updated text based on the highly regarded Search Strategies in Mass Communication, used in many communication programs for 15 years. Written by two nationally recognized experts in information strategy, the book leads students step-by-step through the search and evaluation process while retaining the conceptual and intellectual overview that was the hallmark of Search Strategies. It includes new materials and case studies that illustrate the search and evaluation process as it applies to news and strategic communications messages.

  • A conceptual model of the information strategy process is visually illustrated in each chapter, helping students to systematically learn the information strategy process.
  • Case studies of the information strategy process illustrate how each information contributor's materials are used in messages.
  • A case study included as an appendix allows students to see concrete examples of the search process as applied to news and strategic communications messages.
  • Cartoons in several chapters offer students a lighthearted look at some of the key concepts discussed in the text.



Preface.


1. Information Universe—Introduction.

Expanding/Fragmenting Universe.

Types of Media Messages.

Media Message Delivery Formats and Convergence.

New Forms Bring New Information Challenges.



2. The Message Analysis / Information Gathering Model.

Storytelling and the Media.

Roles and Uses of Models.

The Information Strategy Model for Communicators.

The Information Strategy Model for Communicators (Reprise).



3. Analyzing the Message Assignment.

Idea Generation.

The Context for the Message.

The Context of the Message.

Conclusion.



4. Understanding Potential Contributors.

Understanding Potential Contributors.

Understanding the Ways Information from Potential Contributors Is Available.

Conclusion.



5. Information Gathering Techniques: Monitoring, Searching, and Interviewing.

Monitoring.

Searching.

Interviewing.

Conclusion.



6. The Library as an Information Source.

Libraries.

Major Sources of Information in the Library.

The Librarian in the Message-Making Process.

The Library in the Information Strategy Process.

The Social Responsibility Context.



7. Informal Sources.

Types of Informal Sources and How They Know What They Know.

Tapping into Informal Sources.

Cautions for Use.

Case Study of Informal Information Sources.



8. Institutional Sources.

Types of Institutional Information and How They Know What They Know.

Tapping Institutional Sources.

Cautions for Use.

Case Study of Institutional Information Sources.



9. Scholarly Sources.

Types of Scholarly Sources and How They Know What They Know.

Tapping into Scholarly Sources.

Cautions for Use.

Case Study of Scholarly Information Sources.



10. Journalistic Sources.

Types of Journalistic Sources and How They Know What They Know.

Tapping into Journalistic Sources.

Cautions for Use.

Case Study of Journalistic Information Sources.



11. Evaluating and Selecting the Information You've Gathered.

Critical Thinking.

Analyzing Statistics.

Evaluating Poll and Survey Information.

Evaluating Online Information.



12. Synthesizing Information.

Planning Ahead.

Prewriting.

Ideas for Organizing Information.

Synthesis Using Data-Crunching Tools.

Examples of Synthesis.



13. Law and Ethics of Gathering and Using Information.

Negative and Positive Obligations.

The Social Responsibility Context.

Information Strategy and Social Responsibility.



Appendix: Case Study.


General Index.


Topical Tools Index.

Behind the Message is a thoroughly revised and updated text based on the highly regarded Search Strategies in Mass Communication, used in many communication programs for 15 years. Written by two nationally recognized experts in information strategy, the book leads students step-by-step through the search and evaluation process while retaining the conceptual and intellectual overview that was the hallmark of Search Strategies. It includes new materials and case studies that illustrate the search and evaluation process as it applies to news and strategic communications messages.

Features

  • A conceptual model of the information strategy process is visually illustrated in each chapter, helping students to systematically learn the information strategy process.
  • Case studies of the information strategy process illustrate how each information contributor's materials are used in messages.
  • A case study is included in the appendix that allows students to see concrete examples of the search process as applied to news and strategic communications messages.
  • Cartoons in several chapters offer students a lighthearted look at some of the key concepts discussed in the text.

View a Sample Chapter PDF:

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