An approach to cognitive development which builds upon Piagetian assumptions and methods but which takes into account specific characteristics of diverse symbol systems and media is outlined. Such an approach may account for several phenomena left unexplained by Piaget, integrate diverse strands of research, and suggest promising lines of…

Analyzes the questionnaire responses of 84 writers of letters to the editors of nondaily newspapers, which provided information on such areas as number of newspapers written to, topics addressed by the letters, reasons for writing letters, and writers' individual characteristics. (GT)

Indicates that of four major newspapers, only one has substantially changed the amount of lifestyle and consumer coverage concerning women in the last ten years. (KS)

Suggests that traditional forms of communication such as folk plays, ballads, and rituals can be effectively used for social development in poorer countries. (MH)

This study compares three multi-stage versions of a tape-slide presentation with a parallel single image format. Multi-image treatments differed in the amount of time two images were simultaneously in view. (Author)

Offers a content analysis of U.S. magazine advertisements aimed at general audiences, finding that Latinos are highly underrepresented in magazine advertising. Shows that, although Latinos represent 10.5% of the U.S. population, they were present in just 4.7% of ads, and only 2.2% contained a Latino model in major role. (SR)

Proposes two new econometric models for testing the principle of relative constancy (PRC). Reports on regression and cointegration analyses conducted with Belgian mass media expenditure data from 1953-91. Suggests that alternative mass media expenditure models should be developed because PRC lacks of economic foundation and sound empirical…

Research has done little to advance understanding of who accesses the violent imagery in popular culture. The narrow perspective provided by mass-produced media violence must be broadened by critical viewpoints that provide information people need to participate in the democratic process. (Contains 85 reference notes.) (SK)

Evaluated young children's understanding of and ability to use an input device of the type associated with home-entertainment systems, using one of three software interfaces to make simple on-screen choices. Found that it is possible to enable preschoolers to use home-entertainment system control devices by implementing interfaces that limit the…

Tests the efficacy of mental models in understanding the effect of exposure to fantasy violence on children's responses to and reasoning about moral dilemmas involving aggression. Offers a possible extension to mental models that is consistent with current theory in cognitive science. Suggests that the activation of mental models regarding…

Presents a description and review of seven monographs that were part of a series published by Louisiana State University Press between 1940 and 1963. Notes that the monographs dealt with newspaper circulation, Thomas Jefferson and the press, management of newspaper correspondents, journalism research, Oliver Kirby Bovard, and mass communication…

Finds that popular music videos of the early 1990s continued to underrepresent women, with men outnumbering women in lead roles by almost a 5 to 1 margin, and presenting women in a much narrower range of lead roles. Finds also that popular music videos portrayed women in a manor that emphasized physical appearance rather than musical ability. (SR)

Finds sexual imagery more common than religious imagery in a sample of 207 rock, country, and Christian videos, although religious imagery was present in approximately 30% of the videos. Finds that the presence of sexual and religious images in combination occurred more often than would be expected by chance and in relatively equal proportions…

Surveyed advertisements in magazines read by college students in nutrition class for hidden food and nutrition messages. Hidden messages for females could imply beauty through fashion products, beauty aids, and supplements but with nutrition slimming plan. Males may be receiving subtle message that food choices do not matter and that alcohol and…

Identifies the movie, "Rambo," and "Soldier of Fortune" magazine as artifacts of "paramilitary culture." Contends that they are a social phenomenon which helps legitimate the United States government's rapid escalation of military forces. (MS)