Television and the American Child

Drawing on hundreds of studies including much new evidence, Television and the American Child examines the impact of the medium on growing up from the first few months through the end of the teenage years. Myths are challenged and major questions answered about television and scholastic achievement, use of time, beliefs and perception, susceptibility to advertising, and behavior.****This book offers a comprehensive examination of the research conducted by behavioral scientists over the last forty years on the influence of television on the lives of American children and adolescents. The book presents an original schema that identifies major topics that have been investigated. It focuses on recent research and emphasizes confirmations and disconfirmations of the "received wisdom" about television's effects. The author is held in high esteem as a synthesizer by other researchers in the field. Key Features* The only comprehensive, thorough assessment of the scientific evidence on the role of television in the lives of children and teenagers* Addresses the major questions that have been asked by parents, teachers, scientists, and policymakers, and provides concise, clear answers* Provides new evidence on the influence of television on academic achievement* Challenges myths that television has created a more visually skilled population, and increased vocabulary