Following a content analysis, 85 children's programs were assigned a pacing index derived from the following criteria: (1) frequency of camera cuts; (2) frequency of related scene changes; (3) frequency of unrelated scene changes; (4) frequency of auditory changes; (5) percentage of active motion; (6) percentage of active talking; and (7)…

Examines the use of entertainment features in children's educational television through a systematic content analysis of sample programs. Assesses the quantity of use of humorous and attention-getting material, examines distinguishing characteristics of the entertainment-oriented messages, and highlights several patterns of use for these…

Presents guidelines for the use of humor in children's educational television. Reviews the literature in the following areas: (1) audience attraction; (2) post-choice attention; (3) acquisition of educational information and (4) the viewing experience in hedonic terms. (FMW)

Tested the effectiveness of ridicule as an educational and social corrective in children's educational television programs. Found that ridicule is a potent means of educating six-year-old television viewers but is far less satisfactory in motivating four-year-olds to action or in deterring their unwanted performances. (PD)

A study tested the effectiveness of ridicule as an educational and social corrective in children's educational television programs. Arbitrary activities involving a novel object were presented to 69 four-year-old and 83 six-year-old children via videotaped presentations and demonstrations. In each of three types of motivational message (ridicule,…