The failure of research on media to deal with media's symbol systems is discussed. Nature of symbol systems is described and related to cognition and learning. Symbolic elements used by media can facilitate the cultivation of mental skills in interaction with individual differences and depth of processing. (Author/RD)

Summarizes recent research on the following topics: media coverage and information-seeking behavior, newspaper treatment of state government releases, magazine evaluations and readership, motivation for viewing television programs, sex differences in bylines, photojournalism, advertising on children's television, television editorial themes,…

The multicultural content and cultural educational impact of motion pictures, television, radio, newspapers, and magazines are examined, including the implications of these media for the development of multicultural education in the schools. Teaching strategies and the role of the media are outlined. (JMF)

Provides evidence for the need of a national clearinghouse to collect, abstract, and make available all research on the mass media and other communication topics. (RL)

Of particular interest in this study exploring a number of questions related to multi-image presentation of information and acquisition of a concept--e.g., classifying plants--was whether redundancy (i.e., additional positive examples) and an opportunity to view nonexamples as well as examples would be helpful to seventh-grade students.…

Describes the impact of the expanded availability of television as a result of the Anik I satellite transmission system on the Canadian Eskimo (adults have an increased knowledge of national and international affairs). Indicates critical social and psychological effects on Eskimo children while adults have retained traditional social customs and…

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…

Takes an integrative look at the correlates of newspaper school students from Dallas, Texas. Suggests that the most important predictor of nonreadership is perception of time and effort needed to read the newspaper, with nonreaders having neither time nor interest. (MG)

Argues that cultural studies imported to the United States often lose much of their critical edge. Contends that their misleading affirmation of the power and independence of media audiences is derived from several factors, including (1) overestimating the freedom of audiences in reception; and (2) confusing active reception with political…

Argues that television, when used as a secondary activity, interferes with performance on otherwise intellectually demanding tasks. Examines performance on seven different cognitive processing tests for respondents in four television-viewing conditions and a no-TV control group. Finds significant performance decrements for measures of reading…

Examines linkages between media use and attitudes from a survey of Soviet and American teenagers. Finds that all youths show a great concern about the possible effects of nuclear war, with heavy media users in both countries more optimistic, but the relation was stronger among Soviet students. (MS)

Describes surveys of elementary school teachers and teacher education institutions that were conducted to determine the relationship between the media instruction that is provided to preservice teachers and the use teachers make of media in the classroom. Recommendations for teacher education are given, and further research needs are suggested.…

Summarizes four media-related reports, including: (1) a survey that explored the factors introduced by new technologies for distributing television in and across Europe; (2) an annual review of BBC broadcasting research findings; (3) the portrayal of violence on British television; and (4) an evaluation of primary school radio programs in…

Reports on a study conducted to assess the effectiveness of two strategies, both involving desensitization, for reducing grade-school children's emotional reactions to mass media. Finds that while both strategies reduced emotional reactions, only the rehearsed explanation altered children's conceptions of the dangerous object. (SR)

Reports on a survey of university advertising media teachers regarding textbooks and instructional aids used, teaching techniques, computer applications, student placement, instructor background, and faculty publishing. (SR)