Investigating the Relationship Between Television Portrayal of African Americans and Behavior Responses Toward African Americans

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Investigating the Relationship Between Television Portrayal of African Americans and Behavior Responses Toward African Americans

This research sought to examine the relationship between television

news portrayals of African Americans and subsequent behavioral

responses toward African Americans. While this research was not able

to clearly illuminate the specific link between portrayal and

behavior, this research is able to suggest a model for future studies

into such relationships.

[Headnote]

This research sought to examine the relationship between television

news portrayals of African Americans and subsequent behavioral

responses toward African Americans. While this research was not able

to clearly illuminate the specific link between portrayal and

behavior, this research is able to suggest a model for future studies

into such relationships.

The portrayal of African Americans in television drama, news and

sports coverage has been analyzed by journalists and scholars (see

Corea, 1993; Dates, 1990; Entman 1990, 1992, 1994; Jackson, 1989;

Lule, 1995; MacDonald, 1992; Rada, 1996; Rainville & McCormick, 1997;

Staples & Jones, 1985; U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1977; and

U.S.Riot Commission Report, 1968). While the literature has addressed

the content of these media portrayals (or-as the research has

shownmisportrayals), and speculated on their impact, few protocols

have been suggested for assessing their effect upon African Americans

or upon others in the television audience.

To measure the effect of a media portrayal, a study desi...

... middle of paper ...

...s.), Split images: African Americans in the

mass media (pp. 388 - 420). Washington, D.C.: Howard University Press.

Troldahl, V. & Powell, A. (1965). A short-form dogmatism scale for use

in field studies. Social Forces, 44, 211-215.

United States Commission for the Study of Civil Rights (1977). Window

dressing on the set: Women and minorities in television. Washington,

D.C.: U.S. Government.

United States Riot Commission Report (1968). Report of the National

Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders. New York: Bantam.

Wilson, M. & Dovidio, J. F. (1985). Effects of perceived

attractiveness and feminist orientation on helping behavior. Journal

of Social Psychology, 125, (4), 415-420.

Zagona, S. V., & Zurcher, L. A. (1965). Notes on the reliability and

validity of the dogmatism scale. Psychological Reports, 16, 1234-1236.

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