An Empricical Analysis About "Knowledge Gap" Based On The Survey Of Shilin Yi Autonomous County In 1999 And 2015

In this paper,we use the “communication and Social Development” information survey data of three villages in Shilin Yi Autonomous County to empirically test the“knowledge gap” Hypothesis in ethnic minority areas.Specifically,we mainly select several entry points such as information channels,media coverage,and individual motivation.We use multiple statistical methods such as hierarchical regression analysis to test how media-use frequency,media concepts and media content impact on the relationship between education and knowledge acquisitions,including Politics Knowledge,scientific knowledge and health knowledge.The research shows that from perspectives of information channels and media reports perspective,the use of television and radio has no significant effect on the improvement of the knowledge level of the villagers in the ethnic minority areas,except that the newspapers have improved their knowledge of political affairs and broadcasting has improved the level of scientific knowledge.The contacts of the mass media have not brought significant knowledge differences to the villagers in different ethnic groups.This article believes that this is related to the generally low level of education of villagers in ethnic minority areas and the incompleteness of the mass media system.From perspective of individual motives,individuals' differences in gender,age,education level,and media content preferences can cause knowledge differences.In particular,those who are interested in watching TV news have significantly improved their political knowledge,scientific knowledge,and health knowledge.