The "symbol systems approach" to the study of computers in education that is outlined avoids the pitfalls of past media research--particularly research on the effects of television on children's learning and knowledge--and asserts that media can be usefully distinguished in terms of the symbol systems they present and the kinds of…

The integration of American and European mass communication research models would provide a broader sociocultural framework for formulating communication policy. Emphasizing a functional approach, the American diffusionist model assumes that society is a system of interrelated parts naturally tending toward a state of dynamic equilibrium. The…

This paper examines the unresolved epistemological and theoretical problems in comparative communication research. The first section examines what "comparative" means by reviewing various fields in the social sciences. The second section provides an overview of epistemic assumptions of comparative communication research and suggests that in the…

Practical issues that should be considered in placing a classroom computer for use with elementary students include where to locate computer equipment in relation to electrical sockets, windows, and chalkboards; the program sound; who will be able to see the screen; and classroom traffic patterns. Decisions must be made regarding the size of…

This study is to explore cinemagraphic and visual elements and their inter-relations through the reinterpretation of previous research and literature. The cinemagraphic elements of visual images (camera angle, camera motion, subject motion, color, and lighting) work as a language requiring a proper grammar for the messages to be conveyed in their…

The purposes of this paper are to compile and describe the published empirical studies that have examined nonverbal visual production variables, to offer a critique of the lines of inquiry, and to suggest some areas for continued research. The studies are presented in two major sections: intravisual and intermedia. The intravisual section…

A reverse causality model treating mass media use for public affairs information as a result rather than as a cause of political behavior was tested utilizing surveys of 190 Mexican-American, 176 black, and 225 white adults. The criterion variable used in each sample was frequency of television and newspaper use for public affairs information. The…

A review of research about newspaper readership and circulation suggests that the key to understanding circulation patterns is to test in unison the solid predictors of readership (home ownership, population, income, media competition, and shared circulation) along with some of the more subtle correlates (such as social activity). Although these…

Reviews experimental studies and field investigations of the influence of violence in the mass media on aggressive behavior. Relates this research to recent developments in cognitive psychology. Suggests that the cognitive-neoassociationist hypothesis provides the best explanation for the overall findings and may subsume other hypotheses…

Argues that field research can provide evidence about the long-term socialization and developmental effects of media violence on viewer's behavior. Summarizes findings from a number of quasi-experimental studies about the effects of naturally occurring media violence. Concludes that these findings are often consistent with the hypothesis that…

This paper begins with an historical review of research on television and children, summarizing the major questions asked and the knowledge gained about the medium. The authors then describe a new focus of research, dealing with the form of the television medium, not just its content. (Author/SJL)

Describes the fragmentary recall of aural and visual messages and discusses the implications for instructional design. Topics discussed include cognitive processes; the characteristics and selection of various media and the relationship to fragment processing skills; classroom activities based on fragmentary recall; and direction for further…

Reviews and analyzes criticisms of the design of media evaluation studies; suggests guidelines for future evaluation studies, including analyses of learning theories and desired learning outcomes; and describes the application of the evaluative guidelines to an interactive video in an English comprehensive school with 14-year-olds. (Contains 26…

The Joe Camel campaign by RJR Nabisco began in 1990 in an attempt to increase the brand's sagging market share. Studies showed the campaign's appeal to young children and teenagers. In the debate that followed, several children's advocates renewed their appeals for restriction on cigarette ads. A review of the literature shows that children are at…

The debate over American dominance of mass media exports gained new momentum in the late 1980s, when the European Community moved toward restricting the number of television programs imported from non-European countries. Research suggests that Europeans enjoy American television programs such as "Dallas" because the series embody basic…