One area of health promotion research rich with potential for both theoretical and empirical investigation is the "entertainment-education" (EE) strategy. Though a growing body of evidence points to the effectiveness of the EE strategy, further investigation is needed to explore the underlying cognitive and affective processes that make EE an…

The recent proliferation of reality-based television programs highlighting cosmetic surgery has raised concerns that such programming promotes unrealistic expectations of plastic surgery and increases the desire of viewers to undergo such procedures. In Study 1, a survey of 170 young adults indicated little relationship between cosmetic surgery…

This ethnographic study explored the ways in which media, particularly television, connected with English language and literacy practices among Sudanese refugees in Michigan. Three families with young children participated in this study. Data collection included participant observation, interviews, and collection of artifacts over 18 months, with…

This paper argues for a clearer conceptualization of media stimuli in experimental research and identifies 3 issues impeding our understanding of message processing: (a) assumptions bolstered by manipulation checks about homogeneity of response to media stimuli, (b) conflation of 2 different classes of variables--media attributes and psychological…

Examines interpretation of Robert Frank's photographic essay (1) to discern the experiences evoked by the essay, (2) to establish the relationship between "projected" and "stated" interpretations, and (3) to determine the extent to which "stated" interpretations resemble "ideal" interpretations. (FL)

A study examined whether changes in the wording of the cutline would have a significant impact upon readers' responses to the content of a controversial or potentially offensive photograph. Twenty-two variables, including nudity, proximity, and magnitude and innocence were chosen from those concerning editors and readers or those likely to affect…

Concludes that public relations people view editors' newspaper positions fairly accurately but that the reverse is not true. (FL)

A survey of 210 Texas residents revealed a preference for local and independent ownership of newspapers, although the quality of independent and group-owned papers was rated about the same. (GT)

A study examined the graphic devices used on the front pages of 78 American newspapers with a circulation of 25,000 or more and explored editors' attitudes toward the importance of front page appearance and graphics to newspaper readers. Questionnaires were sent to the newspapers' staff members primarily responsible for front page layout and…

Reveals that the direction of a review can have a significant effect on audience interest in and evaluation of a film. (FL)

Concludes that supermarket tabloid readers are not one homogeneous group with one set of needs and wants from newspapers. (FL)

Reports that changing the cutlines of 22 controversial photographs significantly affected the response of readers for only four of the pictures. (FL)

Discusses the findings of recent surveys of viewing habits and attitudes toward programing and concludes that television is basically a vehicle for light entertainment. (KS)

A study examined the relationship between an individual's community ties to place and the use of media. Data were collected from residents of Austin, Texas, by means of mail and telephone surveys. Among the variables examined were community ties (home ownership and length of time in community), political variables, demographics, and use of…