The Mediating Role of Knowledge and Efficacy in the Effects of Communication on Political Participation

Abstract

This study explicates the indirect process through which news media use influences political participation. Specifically, it investigates the role of political knowledge and efficacy as mediators between communication and online/offline political participation within the framework of an O-S-R-O-R (Orientation-Stimulus-Reasoning-Orientation-Response) model of communication effects. Results from structural equation modeling analysis support the idea that political knowledge and efficacy function as significant mediators. In addition, results expound the increasing importance of the Internet in facilitating political participation. Implications of findings, limitations of this study, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Notes

¹Demographic profile of study survey and other comparable surveys is available upon request to the authors.

Note. Root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) needs to be less than .05 for a good fit. CFI = comparative fit index; TLI = Tucker–Lewis index; SRMR = standardized root mean square residual.

*p < .05. ***p < .001.

^a 1 = male.

Note. Standardized regression coefficients are reported.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nakwon Jung

Nakwon Jung (Ph.D., University of Texas – Austin, 2010) is Assistant Professor in the Department of English and Communications at Tennessee Tech University. His research interests include the study of political communication, media psychology, media effects and public opinion research.

Yonghwan Kim

Yonghwan Kim (M.A., University of Texas – Austin, 2009) is a doctoral student in the School of Journalism at University of Texas at Austin. His research interests include new communication technologies, media psychology, and media effects.

Homero Gil de Zúñiga

Homero Gil de Zúñiga (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2008) is Assistant Professor in the School of Journalism at University of Texas at Austin, where he leads the CJCR: Community, Journalism & Communication Research. His research focuses on all forms of new technologies, digital media, and their effects on society and the overall democratic process.