CONTENT ANALYSIS OF AGGRESSION IN TELEVISION PROGRAMS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

This study used a content analysis to provide a systematic assessment of the depiction and frequency of aggression displayed by television characters. The study was guided by the research of Ostrov, Gentil, and Crick (2006), who found a statistically significant correlation between preschool children s television viewing and aggressive behavior, yet identified a need for a content analysis of these programs. Based on the theoretical frameworks of the social learning perspective, ecological systems, socicultural theory, and cognitive development, this study explored the frequency and depiction of aggression in television programs designed for preschool age children. The researcher collected 90 hours of data, recording equal numbers of data for educational and informal programs. The findings suggest that aggression is more common in informal programs than in educational program and that the physical depiction of the character played a significant role in the frequency of aggression and the consequences received for the aggressive action.

Autorentext

Dr. Tiffany Hamlett is a graduate from Texas Woman's University where she earned her Ph. D. in child development. She currently works as an adjunct for online universities and leads parent and teacher training sessions. Her research interests include social development in preschool age children and child attachment.