Investigates the hypotheses that (1) voters define the personal images of political candidates in behavioral terms, and (2) such behavioral images are predictive of preferences for those candidates. Results provide strong support for both positions. (RAE)

Found that suspense was at a maximum when the hero's chances of success/survival were perceived to be about one in 100 and minimal when either success or failure seemed absolutely certain. Further, suspense increased in proportion to how strongly the audience liked the hero. Also noted the effectiveness of audio preambles. (PD)

Examines the ways in which individuals' perceptions of media use are influenced by others. Explains that three recent theories--critical mass theory, social influence model of media use, and adaptive structuration theory--suggest that individuals' perceptions of media emerge as a result of their interaction with others. Reports on a study that…

Reports on two studies summarizing recent advances in the study of behavioral dispositions by detailing the activation-arousal framework. Uses the Miller Behavioral Style Scale to measure individual differences in activation/arousal while viewing a negative emotional film segment and media coverage of the explosion of the space shuttle…

Third and sixth graders were presented a story on television or radio and were then given a version of Torrance's "Just Suppose" test of divergent thinking. Results indicated that--in terms of ideational fluency, flexibility, and originality--the two media did not have a differential effect on children's creativity. (PD)

Found that (1) persons who were more apprehensive about crime demonstrated a greater avoidance of drama featuring victimization than persons less apprehensive about crime and (2) persons who were made apprehensive about crime demonstrated a greater preference for drama featuring just resolutions. (PD)

Argues that television, when used as a secondary activity, interferes with performance on otherwise intellectually demanding tasks. Examines performance on seven different cognitive processing tests for respondents in four television-viewing conditions and a no-TV control group. Finds significant performance decrements for measures of reading…

Reports on a study conducted to assess the effectiveness of two strategies, both involving desensitization, for reducing grade-school children's emotional reactions to mass media. Finds that while both strategies reduced emotional reactions, only the rehearsed explanation altered children's conceptions of the dangerous object. (SR)