Multidimensional scaling is used to quantify the relative appeal of television characters as behavior models for children. (Author/STS)

Prime-time television dramas were analyzed to isolate counter-stereotypical sex-role portrayals, and children were surveyed to determine the impact of these portrayals on sex-role perceptions. The appeal of male and female television characters as role models was also tested. (LS)

Tested hypotheses that action/adventure characters are perceived by teenagers as likely to engage in antisocial conflict resolution; situation comedy/family drama characters, in prosocial modes. Also tested was hypothesis that, as favorite character's perceived use of a mode increases, so does the viewer's intention to use the same mode. (SW)

Presents findings of research that studied the influence of television's behavioral models on young Puerto Rican children, including (1) types of models children chose; (2) their perceptions and moral judgments of the appropriateness of certain types of antisocial behavior; and (3) occupational aspirations and their perceptions of Puerto Rican…