Intended for use by both producers and evaluators of textbooks and other print instructional materials, this review of the literature focuses on the effectiveness of illustrations for motivation and for learning, and such typographical variables as readibality, legibility, standard typographical conventions, and format and layout. Areas examined…

The results of research conducted by the 1977 Task Force on Minorities in Public Broadcasting are reported in this document. The task force, consisting of a group of 28 individuals of various ethnic backgrounds, was assembled by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to determine the success of public broadcasting in meeting the informational and…

The problems of relating research to practice are discussed in the context of what, why, and how. The what of recent research is illustrated by examples which suggest that media-related research is becoming more rigorous, analytical, and theoretical, and thus more reliable and generally applicable. The why is briefly argued with reference to the…

This report reviews the literature on instructional graphics and implications of the findings in terms of graphic displays for computer assisted instruction. It was concluded that assumptions about the inherent value of graphics for instructional purposes are unsubstantiated by empirical evidence, and the conditions under which the use of graphics…

A review of the first 23 volumes of "AV Communication Review" identified 68 theoretical and experimental articles on the effects of media on student learning attitudes. Examination of these articles revealed that (1) researchers do not routinely evaluate the impact of mediated instruction on learner affect toward either the medium or the…

An overview is presented in this paper of the types of qualitative radio and television evaluations currently being undertaken in six countries: Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Great Britain, Japan, and Canada. An introductory section notes the value of qualitative ratings to broadcast policy makers and to those seeking broadcasting changes, and…

Discusses the relationship of fidelity and learning in computer simulation. Highlights include a review of previous research; a discussion of transfer of learning; a taxonomy for fidelity analysis with four different types of computer-based instructional simulations; and implications for instructional design and research. (41 references)…

Examination of how far research work on the design of printed text can inform research on the design of electronic text centers on three areas: the layout of instructional text, the role of typographic cueing, and the presentation of graphic materials. Future research needs are discussed, and 101 references are provided. (LRW)

Discussing the theoretical underpinnings of media research methodologies, this book provides a broad overview of the methodological perspectives adopted by media researchers in their attempt to derive a better understanding of the nature, role, and impact of media in society. By tracing the epistemological and theoretical roots of the major…

Examines the problems encountered in engaging teachers in the specification and selection of media options in the instructional design process. Present inadequacy is traced to: (1) specific theoretical deficiencies in available models, (2) the evolutionary state of research, and (3) the reluctance of teachers to commit themselves in this area.…

The author presents ways in which media, especially television, effects social processes in early adolescence (ages 10 to 15). Research is reported which substantiates social characteristics which may emerge as a direct result of media influence. (Editor/KC)

Theoretical and research literature on learning from books, television, computers, and multimedia environments is examined. The media are distinguished by cognitively relevant characteristics of their technologies, symbol systems, and processing capabilities. The relative cognitive effects of learning with different media--particularly those…

More specifically than the general concept of "development," the use of entertainment media as a tool for social intervention implies the purposive utilization of the mass media to engineer specific changes in knowledge, attitudes, or practice. Thus, this type of use of the entertainment media is inseparable from the notion of "what…

A study quantitatively reviewed empirical studies of negative political advertising using a method that combined citation analysis and content analysis. The citation analysis examined each individual cited work in 20 selected studies with respect to its citation information, and the content analysis investigated the 20 selected studies (citing…

The uses and gratifications paradigm, like the initial conceptions of media effects, can be viewed as a compatible elaboration of contemporary social and political theory. The fundamental assumptions of the uses and gratifications approach, particularly the assumptions regarding the nature and extent of audience activity and the ability of the…