Indicates that prime-time television presents a remarkably consistent portrayal of the world across program genres and that it offers few scheduling alternatives to avoiding violence-laden adventure programs. Finds that the average viewer has little opportunity to exercise any kind of choice in viewing. (JD)

Indicates that (1) less affluent, less educated, and divorced and separated respondents are more inclined than others to watch television to avoid the negative moods that often coincide with solitude and unstructured time; and (2) personality dispositions and internal states are more likely to dictate media use than vice versa. (JD)

Provides support for the hypothesis that a causal relationship exists between exposure to television violence and aggressive behavior in children. (MH)

Data analysis from television-viewing surveys suggests that people are not "glued to the box." Rather, the level of repeat-viewing of television--about 60 percent--suggests that television fills the gap between other activities and that the reason people watch television is that they have "so much time to kill." (PD)

Traces various behavioral problems in young children to sensory overkill from repetitious auditory and visual television experiences. (MH)

Offers evidence that exposure to television violence can increase childrens' tolerance of real-life aggression. (MH)

Assesses television's potential to influence both prosocial and antisocial behavior in children and cites supportive investigative studies. (MH)

Reveals that 46% of the time with television was spent in some activity instead of or in addition to looking at the TV. Notes that social interaction was the most common nonviewing activity for all viewers, followed by playing and eating for children and reading for adults. Considers how nonviewing behaviors occurred most often during programming…

Explores the argument that television exemplifies the production and reflection of surplus value and that watching, as an activity, reflects the organization of human labor in the economy as a whole. Develops the basis for a materialist theory of the advertising-supported media industries in advanced industrial societies. (JD)

Discusses four propositions about television viewing by children of ethnic minorities. Presents several unaddressed issues and priorities for future research. (JMF)

Describes a continuing research program concerned with what U.S. preschoolers look at on television and how often they watch and notes implications for the production of television material for young children. (MH)