The Psychology of Television

This volume addresses the content of television -- both programs and advertisements -- and the psychological effects of the content on the audience. The author not only reports new research, but explains its practical applications without jargon. Issues are discussed and described in terms of psychological mechanisms and causal routes of influence. While primarily referring to the American television industry and American governmental regulations, the psychological principles discussed are applicable to television viewers world wide.

Contents: Part I:Essential Facts and Indirect Effects.What is Television? The Audience: Who Watches, When, What, and Why? The Program Content of Television Part II:The Psychology of Television: Psychological Mechanisms of Influence.Behavioral Mechanisms: Imitation, Disinhibition, and Arousal/Desensitization. Cognitive Mechanisms I: The Influence of Television on Attitudes, Beliefs, and Judgments. Cognitive Mechanisms II: Attention, Comprehension, and Perceived Reality. NonProgram Content of Television: Mechanisms of Persuasion. J. Condry, C. Schiebe, NonProgram Content of Television: Mechanisms of Persuasion. Part IIIRegulation and Speculations.Social Policy and the Regulation of Television for Children. The Future of Television.