Graduation Year

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Granting Department

Mass Communications

Major Professor

Kenneth C. Killebrew, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Edward Jay Friedlander, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Randy E. Miller, Ph.D.

Keywords

contemporary society, cultivation analysis, mean world syndrome, thirdperson effect, cultural indicators

Abstract

There have been many studies conducted on television and its effects. Since the 1950's, when television emerged, there has been an influx of patterns and behaviors associated with television viewing and programming. Many researchers are fascinated with television and the reactions of those who are directly affected by it. People have been known to act out in many ways as a result of something they saw on television. Many believe that television viewing directly affects a person's mind.

An analysis of the results of this qualitative study indicates that college students perceive television has an impact on viewers. Throughout the course of both the focus group and individual interviews, several themes were strongly developed among participants. These included:

1.College students do not believe that television influences the way they individually dress, act, and eat, but it does influence the same behaviors of other people their age. However, these same students reported that they recognized that television has an influence on their lives, and in combination with how they were raised in their families, it made them who they are today.

2.College students continue to believe there is too much violence on television.

3.Television often does not depict reality.

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