The knowledge-gap hypothesis suggests that each new medium increases the gap between the information rich and information poor, because of differences in access to the medium, and control over its use, among other factors.
It was first proposed by Phillip J. Tichenor and his colleagues. The concept of a digital divide is linked to this hypothesis, although its development was independent.
The term also refers to gaps that exist between groups regarding their ability to use ICTs (Information and Communications Technologies) effectively, due to differing levels of literacy and technical skills, as well as the gap between those groups that have access to quality, useful digital content and those that do not.
The knowledgegaphypothesis in communications studies, first formulated in Tichendor, Donohue, and Olien (1970), suggests that there is a chronic gap of knowledge that different sectors of society possess.
The gap was also thought to reduce as television replaces newspaper as a source of knowledge.
In geology, the slab gaphypothesis is one of the explanations put forward to explain several instances of extension that have seemingly paradoxically occurred near subduction zones (which otherwise would typically compact crust, not stretch it out).
The hypothesis is that a gap forms between the two now subducting chucks of oceanic lithosphere when the spreading zone (the divergent plate boundary) of an oceanic plate is subducted under continental lithosphere.
The slab gaphypothesis goes on to state that the upwelling can form very deep cracks, which in turn lets very fluid basalt lava to quickly spread over the land surface forming shield volcanoes and vast volcanic plains.
Share your thoughts, questions and commentary here
Want to know more? Search encyclopedia, statistics and forums:
Press Releases |
Feeds |
Contact
The Wikipedia article included on this page is licensed under the
GFDL.
Images may be subject to relevant owners' copyright.
All other elements are (c) copyright NationMaster.com 2003-5. All Rights Reserved.
Usage implies agreement with terms.
Feeds |
Contact