A study of the effects of television drama on learning of prosocial and antisocial behavior analyzes programs in terms of sex of the actor, apparent motivation for the actor's behavior, and portrayed importance of the action. Results show that the effects on viewers differ according to their sex. (EAO)

Third-grade children were studied to determine whether (1) children can apply a cognitive strategy learned in language arts to television programs, (2) training improves comprehension of videotaped material, and (3) these skills generalize to other settings. Thirteen references and descriptions of the 10 videotapes and film used are provided. (MER)

Reviews the current research on the effects of television advertising on children and the interaction between parent and child regarding the child's consumer behavior. Suggests areas for future research. (JMF)

A study of the responses of 56 high school girls shows the cultivation effects of television beauty-related commercials on the girls' perceptions of the importance of sex appeal, youth, and beauty to women in four different roles. (GT)

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)

Examines the contribution of British television viewing to viewers' politics. Finds an association between heavy television viewing and political centrism. Finds also that television constructs a mainstream around its fictional output while preserving pluralism through current affairs, and that political leaning does not occur through repetition…

Reported are two studies considering factors affecting students' attitudes to science by using television programs. Describes the results on students' attitudes by sex and grades. Hypothesized that the use of space programs and other fantastic aspects of science could improve the attitudes of children towards science. (Author/YP)

Examines how television viewing may shape social perceptions of Blacks. Focuses on the amount of viewing and beliefs about racial integration, hypothesizing that heavy television viewers would report higher estimations of the prevalence of racial integration than would light viewers. (MS)

Describes study conducted with Dutch preschool and elementary school students to determine their perception of reality when watching Sesame Street on television. Variables studied include age, communication skills, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and data are analyzed using factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. (13 references) (LRW)

Analysis of education-centered television series over 40 years found they portray less diverse settings, activities, and roles than actually exist; dedicated teachers work with interested students in urban settings and often have conflicts with cranky or inept administrators; White males predominate in most occupational roles; and non-traditional…

Examines the issue of diversity and cable television from a content analysis of 1,035 randomly chosen moments from four channels: network, cable, independent, and public. Results demonstrate that there has been little movement towards more accurate proportional representation of historically underrepresented demographic groups across the 32…

Five and seven year olds were able to correctly distinguish between factual and fictional television programs and test clips, based upon genre of program, production features, content. Age and vocabulary scores predicted accuracy of factuality judgments, but television viewing history did not. Older children understood better than younger ones…

This study of 26 children (ages 8-12) with hearing impairment found that the degree of hearing loss and spoken language competence independently affected the ability to understand the information presented on commercial and educational television programs. Language skills were a stronger predictor of comprehension than the degree of hearing loss.…

Assesses how quantity of television news viewing influenced Northern Irish children's perceptions of local political violence. Reports questionnaire results from 520 children, ages 8 and 11, approximately half females, from 5 Irish towns. Finds a correlation between viewing frequency and perceptions that matched social reality. Concludes that…

Describes a study of urban television viewers in India that examined television as an educational medium for promoting health and nutrition information. Data are reported on audience characteristics, viewing patterns and times, special audience programs, health and nutrition programs, format preferences, and audience reaction. (EAM)