ML - Media Literacy Overview

Media Literacy

Introduction

"A recent news flash reports that in a study scientist found that Pomegranate juice can be used for chemotherapy of prostate cancer." Have you ever read one of these claims? How do you know if you can believe it or not? Activities in this module will involve practicing review of such claims using concepts learned in previous modules such as association, causation, and study designs to determine the strengths and limitations of epidemiological reports. You will also evaluate media messages and develop your own.

Essential Questions

• How do you determine the truth of such claims using positive and negative aspects of epidemiological reports?
• How do you evaluate media messages?
• Why is it important to be media literate?

Key Terms

1. Media literacy - accessing and critically evaluating health messages communicated through media sources.
2. Text - The text of any piece of media is what you actually see and/or hear. It can include written or spoken words, pictures, graphics, moving images, sounds, and the arrangement or sequence of these elements.
3. Subtext - your interpretation of a piece of media.
4. Association - linking a product, service, or idea with something already liked or desired by the target audience.
5. Extrapolation - drawing huge conclusions on the basis of a few small facts.

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