Found that sixth- and eighth-grade children (1) predicted a greater proportion of positive outcomes for television entertainment events than for television news events and (2) rated news events as more likely to happen in everyday life than entertainment events. Concluded that children can discriminate between the two facets of television reality.…

A ten-year study of television viewing and content found that middle level students watch more television than any other age group. They are exposed to violence, sex, use of drugs, and sex role socialization in many programs. Schools can help students become discriminating consumers of television. (MLF)

Pairs of preschool children saw television commercials that varied in formal features (high versus low perceptual salience) and placement in a television show (dispersed through the program versus clustered at the beginning and end). Sixty-four subjects (32 female and 32 male) from a university preschool participated in the study. (Author/RH)

Projecting data from this content analysis, the authors concluded that viewers who watch one hour of prime-time programing each evening throughout the year would see over 2,700 irregular driving acts; over 250 acts in which people are endangered; 80 auto-caused deaths and injuries; and only 15 cases of seat-belt usage. (PD)

Describes a technique for analyzing local television newscasts that uses weighted categories of news content and an audience survey. Reports the results of a study that used the technique. (FL)

Found that viewers who were cued to pay particular attention to the following evening's network news were able to recall significantly more news items and in more detail than viewers who were not, but neither group as a whole recalled more than 25 percent of the stories. (PD)

Results indicate respondents do not identify medium-specific or program-specific uses. Lack of differentiation suggests: (1) additional assessment of the relationship of medium and content is needed and (2) medium and content should be considered related variables in uses and gratification research, and research not incorporating their interaction…

Presents the results of study in which prime time television shows were rated by 85 adult volunteers in the Washington, D.C., area to determine how individuals with mental disorders were commonly portrayed by the mass media. A table summarizes the characteristics of mentally ill persons on prime time television. (JL)

Describes the adaptation and testing of a curriculum designed to mediate the effects of television. Curriculum included lessons on special effects, violence, commercials, audio and video aspects. Results of the testing indicate that children in kindergarten through second grade made significant gains in their knowledge of how television works. (PD)

Describes in capsule form some of the research findings and production principles that have contributed to the success of the educational television program, "Sesame Street." Program appeal, diversity, discrimination of the essential, and the use of special sound effects are among the topics addressed. (JL)

The literature review discusses studies which have been conducted to determine whether television enriches a child's imagination or leads to distortions of reality, and whether adult mediation during a child's television viewing or immediately after can evoke constructive changes or stimulate make-believe play. Thirty-six references are cited.…

Examines the interrelationships among the exposure patterns, functions, and perceptions of television portrayals of the elderly and their self-concept. Suggests that positive portrayals of the elderly on television can be helpful in promoting a positive self-image and a more productive integration into society. (JMF)

Examines the relationship between children's television viewing and their reading ability, reading habits, and school behavior (attentiveness, enthusiasm, and imagination). The influence of children's IQ, parents' educational levels, and parents' television viewing habits are controlled. (JMF)

Replies to Paul Hirsch's rejoinder to Gerbner et al's findings on cultivation analysis. (See EJ 240 175-177.) Addresses the use of the National Opinion Research Center/ General Social Surveys. Concludes that Hirsch's appraisal of cultivation theory and his reasons for rejecting the concepts of mainstreaming and resonance are unwarranted and…

Examines television industry's portrayals of various occupations and personality types in television dramas. Raises questions about these one-sided portrayals and their affect on viewers. (PD)