Abstract
Television has the power to suggest what its viewers should think about and to impact individuals’ attitudes towards controversial topics. The present study examined the differences between individuals’ self-reported television exposure and self-reported interracial dating attitudes (IDA). Television viewing habits and demographics were also analyzed. A survey distributed via social media and email collected 216 responses. Cultivation theory suggests heavy viewers are likely to have more negative perceptions and attitudes. Analysis of differences for IDA between viewers was not statistically significant, but the IDA score was slightly more negative for heavy viewers. Overall, IDA scores were positive, however individuals’ attitude scores were more negative concerning engaging in Interracial Dating (IRD) with a significant difference between light and heavy viewers. Findings present the idea that viewing television may negatively impact an individual’s beliefs that they are willing to engage in IRD.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Interracial dating--Public opinion; Television viewers--Psychology; Television--Social aspects
Publication Date
6-22-2015
Document Type
Thesis
Student Type
Graduate
Degree Name
Communication and Media Technologies (MS)
Department, Program, or Center
Department of Communication (CLA)
Advisor
Patrick Scanlon
Advisor/Committee Member
Keith B. Jenkins
Advisor/Committee Member
Kijana Crawford
Recommended Citation
Reeb, Kimberly, "“What’s Race Got to do With It?” An Investigation into the Differences Between Self-Reported Television Exposure and Self-Reported Attitudes Towards Interracial Dating" (2015). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from
https://repository.rit.edu/theses/8799
Campus
RIT – Main Campus
Plan Codes
COMMTCH-MS
Comments
Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at HQ801.8 .R44 2015