The debate between objective and new journalism centers upon the question of which approach factually depicts reality. Both genres, however, are part of one fact/fiction matrix in which all narrative forms since John Locke have been based upon factuality. The difference between the genres is that new journalism relies upon the sensory data of…

Behavioral effects studies of mediated violence have traditionally focused on four paradigms: limited effects/reinforcement, instigation, imitation, and catharsis. The catharsis perspective suggests that the desire or need to exhibit aggressive or hostile behaviors is reduced by a release of those desires through vicarious or behavioral…

Discusses the influence of home computers on school education and the effects of parental involvement in children's education. Trends in home computers in the United States are presented, and research projects examining home use of computers for education are reviewed. (Author/LRW)

Reviews evaluation studies, box-score reviews, and meta-analyses on effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) conducted from the 1960s through 1980s, using student achievement as a dependent measure. Conclusions are drawn as to CAI's effectiveness with regard to social and academic achievement and a cost analysis of CAI is provided. (29…

This discussion of the use of audiovisual instruction in the health sciences emphasizes the importance of instructional effectiveness and describes such activities of the media center of the Vaud University Hospital (Switzerland) as instructional development and training of media users, including World Health Organization (WHO) fellows. Eight…

Examined the concepts of legitimacy and deviance. Investigated the hypothesis that U.S. media support centrist political groups by delegitimizing deviant political groups. Found some supporting evidence that media coverage of deviant political groups makes them seem ridiculous and eccentric. Discussed implications for journalists and journalism…

Discusses the media effects approach broadly, to point out limitations the traditional approach imposes on the field, and discusses a "mix of attributes" approach with a focus on the study of "new" technologies for the dissemination of news. Argues that the mix of attributes approach would better serve to advance both theory and empirical research…

Proposes directions to help researchers balance instructional technology goals with the performance of well-designed and scientifically sound studies. Issues concerning the external validity of studies, use of media replications, and learner control as a means of adapting instructional strategies to individuals are emphasized, and designs for…

Discusses reasons for the failure of educational television (ETV) projects in various countries. Topics discussed include the Centre for Educational Television Overseas (CETO); the Multinational Project in Educational Technology; problems with television and video technology; management and planning; research; the role of visual learning; and…

Describes why televised vice presidential debates are worthy of more sustained study. Identifies five purposes of vice presidential debates. Examines critically the 1992 vice presidential debate in light of these purposes. Considers the debate format's effects and the argument strategies of the participants. (HB)

Discusses factors that influence learners' preconceptions of television, the mental effort they invest in processing a video-based lesson, and their achievement. The effects on mental effort and achievement of characteristics of media, the task, and the learners are addressed; and recommendations for future research are offered. (Contains 42…

Discusses different points of view about the impact of media on learning, motivation, and efficiency gains from instruction. The author's arguments about research and theory of media effects are summarized; reactions to the claim that media do not influence learning are characterized; and responses are given to Robert Kozma's specific criticisms…

Presents evidence of the demise of Libertarianism in the U.S. mass media system and proposes an "elite power group" model as an alternative explanation of the working of the mass media in the United States. (MG)

Discusses developments in the field of mass communications over the last 10 years. Suggests that old polarities have been finally transcended or deconstructed and that a new set of questions is emerging which concern a range of particular issues and processes rather than generalities expressed in terms of the now untenable categories of viewer,…

A study conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts found that the percentage of American adults who read literature has declined rapidly over the past two decades, indicating an imminent cultural crisis. Digital revolution, which has had a tremendous impact on young people's reading habits, is considered as the major culprit of this decline…