This study examined the ways in which the spontaneous imaginative play and other social behaviors of 3- and 4-year-old children are affected by the frequency and patterns of their television viewing. The subjects were 141 children from predominantly white middle class homes. Pretesting was done to get an estimate of IQ (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test), an estimate of imaginative predisposition (Barron Movement Threshold Inkblot Series), information regarding imaginative play tendencies (Interview on Imaginative Play), and information regarding favorite television shows, favorite television characters, and viewing patterns (Television Viewing Patterns). Data on the children's naturally occurring play were obtained through unobtrusive observations in their nursery schools and day care centers eight times over a 1-year period. The children's language was recorded verbatim and was coded by trained raters. Logs of the children's television viewing were maintained by parents and returned weekly during each of four 2-week probe periods. Results indicated that children who watch a good deal of television, especially action shows, seem more likely to show aggressive behavior during play. Indications of private fantasy play such as imaginative companions or inner imagery appear to be linked to more socially mature behavior, to less aggression or anger, and to lower levels of viewing television, especially more violent programming. (JMB)