Television and Study

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the effects of television violence and sexual messages on the attitudes of college students in the 18 to 24-year-old age range. The researcher uses students who answer questionnaire and rate the violent and sexual content of television programs. In addition, they are asked to describe the effect that television programs have on their study habits.The effects of these television images on college students are examined . The researcher also endeavors to determine how television and its many contradictory messages, affect students' ability to concentrate on their academic studies.

Outline:
Introduction
Methodology
Results
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"An evaluation of the participants' responses to the study questionnaires revealed a viewing pattern similar to that reported by previous studies. Both male and female students watched prime time sitcoms, reality shows, and programs such as American Idol. Both sexes watched soap operas during the day, in between classes, with women watching only slightly more than men. Sports viewership was also quite high, especially on weekends, and especially for men. The average amount of television viewing was in the range of two to three hours a day, thus keeping with the findings that college students, in this age group, watch less television than other adults. Most likely, this is owing to the greater amount of group social interaction. All participants reported at least one incidence of violence or sex in each program viewed. These images of violence and sex, or "sexual messages" varied rather considerably. Violence ranged from verbally abusive comments to physical violence of strictly criminal nature, as in a murder occurring as part of a story, or physical violence resulting in injury, as in the case of a football game. Likewise sexual messages were conveyed by means of verbal innuendo, nudity and semi-nudity, flirting, and references to sexual activity, dating, body parts, etc."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gunter, B., Harrison, J., & Wykes, M. (2003). Violence on Television: Distribution, Form, Context, and Themes. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Perse, E. M. (2001). Media Effects and Society. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Pingree, S., Hawkins, R. P., Bush Hitchon, J. C., Gilligan, E., Radler, B., Kahlor, L., et al. (2001). If College Students Are Appointment Television Viewers . Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 45(3), 446.
• Sapolsky, B. S. (2003). The Attraction and Repulsion of Media Sex. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 47(2), 296+.
• U.S. Census Bureau. (11 March 2004). "Special Edition: 50th Anniversary of 'Wonderful World of Color' TV." Public Information Office. URL: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features/001702.html.

More papers on Television and Study:

• Cause and Effect Essay # 121787 : "Television and Study Habits"
• Term Paper # 143444 : "Television And Children's Brains"
• Research Paper # 128505 : "Television and Aggressive Behaviors in Pre-School Children"

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