Psychology

Synopsis In 1991 researchers from Massey University undertook a quantitative research study using a content analysis approach, into the level of violence portrayed on New Zealand television. Over a one week period they scrutinised, recorded and coded displays of violence, (that met their predefined definition), of the television programmes broadcast by the three main free to air channels. On completion a report was produced that the Broadcasting Standards Authority later released at an international seminar on television violence. Critique A number of factors regarding the research bring the validity of the exercise into question. These factors are: the definition criteria of what constitutes television violence may well change again over time; the researcher’s age, occupation were not representative of the general viewing population; the timing of the research co-incided with coverage of a major conflict of war together with extensive coverage of cricket game; the predominance of American made material being shown; the varying effects of violence on viewers.  Also to be more consistent the research should have been over a longer period with the findings then averaged out. However and understandably, a shortage of time and money did not allow the research to be more extensive. Personal Response In reflection I felt a sense of sadness and trepidation after reading the topic was of television violence. I paused and thought more of the word “violence” as it reminded me of growing up in the abusive environment that I did, often I felt scared and a lack of understanding for the reasoning behind my mother’s harsh violence which lowered my confidence. Frequent, therapeutic work has helped to become more confidence and ability to trust whilst also learning to try and understand how things might have been for my mother.      Reference