NCJ Number
84876
Journal
Sociology and Social Research Volume: 66 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1982) Pages: 387-398
Date Published
1982
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The average American spends more time watching television than in any other activity, except for sleep and work. Thus, television messages have enormous potential to influence behavior.
Abstract
This paper reviews the literature on the behavioral impact of aggressive messages in the mass media, particularly television. Laboratory experiments are briefly reviewed, but more extensive coverage is devoted to field experiments, of both the 'hands on' and 'hands off' variety. The paper also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the various designs used to investigate this topic. (Author abstract)