A study of 191 K-6 children who viewed three violent TV clips showing identical acts of aggression but with different motivations and punishments found that children rated higher in communications were more likely to see motivated violence as more justified, while children higher in control were likely to see punished violence as less justified.…

Describes a study which randomly sampled Gainesville, Florida, residents to determine whether free and aided recall is greater for videotex news stories or television newscaster stories; for stories with or without graphics; and for videotex or television newscaster stories accompanied by a nonredundant crawl. (MBR)

This study investigated college students' use of and attitudes toward traditional and nontraditional news media, and the role of cable news network (CNN) and its integration into evolving news consumption patterns. Results indicate later college years are associated with heavier consumption. CNN viewers are heavier users of traditional media.…

Discusses the satisfaction of participants with videoconferencing when improved eye contact is incorporated into a system design. The Gazecam system is described, a study of 60 undergraduate students using the system is reported, and the need for communication researchers' involvement in the design process is considered. (Author/LRW)

Results of testing uses and gratifications theory with college students show students' media use and surveillance needs increase college year. Demographic differences and gratifications sought drive news media use. Surveillance needs result in increased use of all news media, whereas entertainment needs result in television news and CNN viewing.…

This explication of the role of cognitive processes in fright reactions to mass media stimuli focuses on past experiences as a possible--and important--component in the fear response. Research is reported on development of a measure of the nature of these past experiences. Implications for use are discussed. (MBR)

Describes study of elementary school students in two age groups that assessed the impact of two control strategies on children's emotional reactions to a frightening movie scene. Hypotheses tested are explained, results of comparative analyses between the two age groups are discussed, and further research needs are suggested. (46 references) (LRW)

Focuses on the ambiguities in the fluid human-telemedia infrastructure. Suggests the need for new signposts to guide our understanding of this environment and the changes it will bring to social roles. (Author)

An analysis of 43 films produced by children from 7 to 15 years old was performed to develop strategy for investigating how children learn and use symbolic system of film. Anticipated factors were overshadowed by use of commercial television formulas, suggesting strong television influence on development of children's symbolic skills. (MBR)

Most mass media research in Japan focuses on the influence of mass communication on society as a whole; these "macro" theories typically employ traditional social science techniques. Reasons for this situation are examined, as well as how media researchers outside of Japan might learn from the Japanese perspectives about the role and…

Describes a study of students in grades three to six that examined how children's emotions about the Gulf War were related to their interest in the war news coverage. Topics addressed include theoretical approaches to selective viewing and the relationship between affective responses and casualty news versus neutral/background news. (Contains 30…

Reports on study conducted among White, Black, Mexican, and Puerto Rican children in grades two, four, and seven to investigate ethnic differences in children's patterns of media use. Previous research studies are reviewed, hypotheses tested are described, and results are analyzed. (15 references) (LRW)

Examines how social and psychological factors interact to produce different lifestyles and patterns of media use. Based on responses to telephone interviews and questionnaires, four lifestyle types are identified and their use of cable television and newspapers and newsmagazines is analyzed. (50 references) (Author/LRW)

Describes a study that was designed to examine the emotional consequences of providing information about the likelihood of a frightening media event to children in kindergarten through third grade. Facial and physiological indicators of fear were measured, and implications for understanding media-induced fear and for selecting effective coping…