To investigate the role and portrayal of women in newspapers and to determine trends emerging from this portrayal, a study examined 15 published quantitative research studies (content analyses) on the portrayal of women in newspapers, dating from 1973 until 1988. Studies were gathered primarily from "Communication Abstracts," the…

One consequence of the information explosion is found in the area of media research methodology. The accessibility of the computer has not only broadened the scope of electronic media research but has also helped media scholars to develop new, more accurate, and more reliable media research methodologies. Whereas in the past, electronic media…

Evaluated young children's understanding of and ability to use an input device of the type associated with home-entertainment systems, using one of three software interfaces to make simple on-screen choices. Found that it is possible to enable preschoolers to use home-entertainment system control devices by implementing interfaces that limit the…

Examines the development and historical inaccuracies of the "magic bullet" interpretation of American propaganda studies, which asserts that propaganda critics between the world wars treated messages as "magic bullets" directly and powerfully infused into passive receivers. Considers why this misconception of the progressive…

Considers three aspects of Robert Kozma's (IR 529 138) and Richard Clark's (IR 529 139) debate on the role of educational media: (1) the logic and definitions of the debate; (2) what the debate says about the field of instructional technology; and (3) the consequences of adopting one position or the other. (KRN)

Argues that communication research needs to move toward better integration of observations on the microlevel with systemic generalizations about macrolevel phenomena, and reorient research away from the media behavior and responses of individuals and toward the cumulative consequences of media behavior over time. (SR)

Bundling, a practice which has increased dramatically in the television and cable industries in recent years, occurs when program distributors package groups of movies and episodes of series, and then sell licenses to use these packages to TV stations and cable channels. Typically, such bundled packages include both highly desirable and less…

Although wide variations exist among service professions, several common attributes affect the role of advertising in the service industries. For example, because a service is intangible, it cannot be evaluated before purchased or consumed. Depending on the degree of intangibility, the consumer's assessment becomes that much more difficult, and…

Although the availability of telecommunications services from the home has been limited because of the high costs and available technology, a restrictive regulatory environment, the conservative nature of communications systems operators, single technology thinking, and uncertain consumer demand, the situation is changing, resulting in expanded…

Describes hypermedia, which allow the associative retrieval, manipulation, and storage of music, video, text, and graphics. Examples of applications are given, the use of hypermedia with interactive video and with microcomputers is discussed, and their implications for library and information specialists are explored. (12 references) (CLB)

While its educational goals were yet to be defined, the aims of the radio in the early 1920s included the social goal of cultural pluralism; the economic goal of profiteering; the military goal of communicating, training, and surveillance; and, the political goal of propaganda and morale building. In the end, like previous technological advances,…

Hypotheses that have related home television use to schooling are categorized. Available evidence about overall effects suggests a small effect on reading growth, hints at a tendency for socially advantaged children to be most vulnerable to effects, and is largely uniformative as to the validity of particular explanatory hypotheses. (Author/GK)

Results of two studies indicate that the way in which Likert scale data are scored can make a difference when statistical significance tests are used. The studies raise a number of questions about the use of Likert scales in communication research. (GT)

Describes a series of studies conducted to determine what types of visuals are most effective in facilitating student achievement. This program of systematic evaluation analyzed an instructional unit on the heart on the basis of instructional effectiveness, economy, and simplicity of production. Conclusions and a list of studies are included. (RAO)

Presents a case study of the United Colors of Benetton advertising campaign as a conscious strategy to transform advertising into a broader category of communication. Argues that the campaign reflects the discomfort created by the postmodern dilemma of arbitrary meaning. Analyzes selected advertisements from the campaign. Recommends further study…