Some Discrete Views of Televised Violence: Implications for Media Policy

Abstract

Statements from depth interviews and media sources provided the concourse for this Q method study of public attitudes towards television violence. A Q sample structured according to Thompson's schema for the study of public opinion was administered to 40 subjects, and resulted in a six-factor solution: (1) Informed, responsible parents, (2) amoral marketers, (3) dramatic TV fans, (4) pro-television homemakers, (5) compromisers, and (6) religious viewers. Policy implications for media, government, and citizen groups are discussed.