Introduction
You ever wonder how in crime show dramas and movies, the detective must successfully piece together the clues to solve the mystery? They must use the powers of observation and clues to establish a major premise to begin the investigation. In essence, this is the media literacy skill of deduction in action.
Deduction is the skill of using a few premises to reason logically toward a conclusion. The basic procedure of deduction follows a reasoning process where you examine the major and minor premises to draw on a conclusion.
The deduction algorithm follows three steps: begin with an observation, (2) identify a relevant general principle, and (3) use the two premises (observation and general principle) and reason a conclusion. The essence of deduction is to reduce things to a simple logical process where the conclusion seems so obvious that on one would dispute it. Let’s look at the algorithm that will help you do this.
For this assignment, you will choose which type of content to apply the deduction algorithm. You must choose between entertainment, advertisement, and news. Choose ONLY ONE concept to complete this assignment.
Your paper should focus on the following:
Present a real-world example of the deduction algorithm using relevant examples from your chosen content focus area (entertainment, advertising, or news). Connect your conclusion to a media effects theory.
How does the crafting of content of entertainment, advertising, and news effect the consumer and why is this important for media literacy?
Here’s an example of the deduction algorithm in action as applied to the content construct of advertising as it relates to animal abuse and pet
owners:
Observation: There are a lot of different types of advertising about owning a pet. Some of the ads focus on pet care (food, insurance, etc.), while others seem to focus on the emotional feeling and attachment (like ads showing sick or lamed animals).
General Principle: People care about their pets.
Conclusion: If people can care about their pets, then they may be able to care about the welfare of other animals that may be in crisis or threatening extinction. Therefore, pet owners may be more inclined to donate to causes surrounding saving animals.
Instructions
1. Write a 500-word paper using the writing prompt provided above.
2. Use and refer to the media literacy skill of deducing (defined above) in your work.
3. Conduct auxiliary research and use/reference what you find in your work.
4. You must show your comprehension and grasp of the subject matter. DO NOT simply summarize the information.
5. Make sure you review the Writing Assignment Organizer to assist you in completing your work.
Resources
Remember to choose ONLY ONE from this list to complete your assignment.
(1) Entertainment and Story Formulas (Framing Theory) There are two ideas that can make the biggest difference in helping you increase your level of media literacy with entertainment messages. First, continually think about how producers are blending reality and fantasy together in their entertainment messages. Second, frequently analyze the entertainment messages you enjoy to see how producers used story formulas to attract your attention and hold it throughout their storytelling.
• Watch: The clues to a sreat storv with Andrew Stanton. Ted2012. February 2012. Filmmaker Andrew Stanton (“Toy Story,” “WALL-E”) shares what he knows about storytelling — starting at the end and working back to the beginning. Contains graphic language.
• Watch: The technology of storytelling. Joe Sabia. Full Spectrum Auditions. Mav 2011.
iPad storyteller Joe Sabia introduces us to Lothar Meggendorfer, who created a bold