The SAGE Handbook of Media Processes and Effects

I highly recommend this book to students and scholars alike. The chapters are understandable yet "meaty"--they contain lots of useful information and citations. The breadth of topics addressed by this handbook is also wonderful.

The SAGE Handbook of Media Processes and Effects textbook is an adequate overview of mass media theory and effects research. The various clusters and camps of effects paradigm and social science dispositions are explicated clearly therein. The book is a bit behind the curve with regard to the convergence of recent neuro-physiological research into media effects on individuals and society happening now, but this has to do with the difficulty of merging the pseudo-science of cognitive studies with the hard science of biology. Much of this new research is making the old discipline of communication inquiry via the study of cognitive processes almost entirely obsolete. Media effects research on brain biology is revolutionizing our understanding of the detriments of adverse media. But for the condensed 3 week course I was in, this book was handy.However, be very cautious of apex-media and their textbook rental practices. They sent me a book that was in terrible condition. The spine was broken and the hardcover was barely hanging on. I immediately left seller feedback of this rental and the company - apex-media - in my AMAZON acct. That note saved me serious money. When my short course was over I promptly shipped the book back, then about a week later I received notice that the rental was rejected and my credit card was charged a stunning $234. I was livid. I called AMAZON and provided the seller feedback note on the rental and the date it was written, demonstrating my concern with the "not as described" condition of the text. I couldn't afford to ship the book back and wait for a replacement due to the condensed nature of the course, so was forced to make do. Thankfully, I have an amazing relationship and history of mutual trust with AMAZON, so they instated a full refund. Apex-media is a thoughtless, unscrupulous supplier. Cover yourself with feedback notes! Call AMAZON immediately if Apex-media sends you a garbage-ready textbook!

Very enjoyable read!