Finds that inertial engagement sustains looks across boundaries between programs and commercials; inertial engagement does not carry over from one look to the next; inertial engagement was associated with greater recognition memory for television content; and look length distributions are approximately lognormal, and hazard functions are…

Examines the relative contributions of both verbal ability and prior knowledge to comprehension and memory for a televised movie, in both immediate and delayed recall conditions. Suggests that, although both factors aid in the comprehension process, they do so in different ways. (SR)

This study was designed to test the effects of speech analysis (television commentary) on audience responses to televised political speeches. Six hypotheses on the so-called instant analysis phenomenon were tested. Subjects for the study were 115 adults drawn from the Fort Collins, Colorado, community. While it was concluded that instant analysis…

A study examined whether a relationship exists between childhood viewing habits and adult viewing behaviors. Questionnaires on childhood and adult viewing behaviors were completed by 557 students in a basic public speaking course, 86 residents of a university family housing unit, 74 vocational students, and 23 members of the local Jaycees…

Examines types of adventure show content (violence, conflict, realism, and action) and viewer characteristics which may influence program liking. Findings suggest that the average viewer somewhat dislikes the typical violence portrayed in adventure shows; emotional conflict, however, seems to enhance liking for adventure shows. (PD)