“The Effects of Television on Children: What the Experts Believe”

The Impacts of Television on Children: What the Experts Think

In the journal article “The Impacts of Television on Children: What the Experts Think” by Carl Bybee, James D. Robison and Joseph Turow performed a survey of mass media to address the question, “What affect does the television has on children?”. The authors used quantitative technique to investigate this study issue and ensure that it was appropriately addressed. The quantitative methodology is noticeable due to the emphasis placed on the measuring objective and the numerical data obtained to describe the phenomena of the research topic. In their methodology, the researchers used questionnaires. In this situation, questionnaires were distributed to study participants. In a total population of 784, 388 questionnaires were completed and returned. After a follow-up, 94 more questionnaires were sent bringing a total response rate of 62 percent 486/784. Therefore, it can be concluded that the researchers utilized quantitative methodology in completing their study.

The Qualitative Research Methodology Utilized

In the research conducted, it can be deciphered that the study also relied on qualitative research methodology. For instance, every questionnaire was comprised of two sections. The first section collected qualitative data where the respondents were queried about their attitude regarding impacts of television on children. In response, eighteen statements were collected regarding the research question. Therefore, it can be deduced that the researchers also utilized the qualitative research methodology to reinforce the quantitative data gathered in the course of the study. Consequently, the second part of the questionnaire elicited demographic data capturing that comprised the main focus of the study. Importantly, queries concerning demographic variables such as demography were asked. The main aim was to reinforce the quantitative data captured in the questionnaire.

The Main Findings

Bybee, Robison, and Turow (1985) research findings indicate that of the entire participants of the study, 79 percent were men. The 486 respondents concerning demography were in the range of 21 to 80 years old where the average was rated at 41 years, and the median rating was 39 years. The research study findings also indicate that 41 percent of the respondents were parents who had more than one children residing in their home. The findings also indicate that nearly 70 percent had earned Ph. D., 30 percent earned M.A. or M. F.A. Importantly, the research results also indicate that the remaining 41 percent blended well with their academic teaching. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that 39 percent of the respondent preferred the quantitative research approach, 35 percent were inclined to the qualitative respondents while the remaining 26 percent were comfortable with any choice.

The Impact of Television on Children

The most salient point in the research study is the recognition of differences in television’s ability to result in certain consequences as well as recognize their ability in evaluating their role in specific areas of life. The greater consensus deciphered in the research study is recognition of the fact that televisions have a great capacity of broadening the knowledge of children about the world and in some cases academic matters. Summarily, approximately 70 percent of the respondents felt that television was an essential tool towards child development while 9 percent felt that televisions have the capacity of bringing out negative repercussions. Consequently, the researchers reinforced the scholar’s views that the five impacts televisions contributed the least included breakdown of social values, increment in pro-social behaviors, an increment in alienations, increment interest I sex, and increment in aggressive behavior accompanied by declining physical activity.

Reference

Turow, J., Robinson, J., & Bybee, C. (1985). The effects of television on children: What the experts believe. Communication Research Reports, 2(1), 149-155.