Adolescents' Perceptions of the Primary Values of Television Programming

Abstract

This study of middle and high school students finds some support for cultivation theory. Some values associated with television—i.e., “hard work yields rewards” or “good wins over evil”—are more valued by higher versus lower exposed-to-television watchers. There were interactions. The ultimate triumph of hard work and good conduct, for example, were associated with viewing sports programs. Those who watched a lot of soap operas were least likely to believe: The strong survive; instead, this group of watchers believed: Luck is important.