Content Analysis, Essay Example

Content analysis is a valuable research method because it provides a systematic study and measurable data by which people can gain an understanding of the extent of the effects the media has on socialization. For instance, while most people know that violence is shown on TV, few know how much violence is actually shown. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation observes that The National Television Violence Study showed that, in fact, almost 2 out of three television shows displayed some violent behavior. By analyzing these numbers, readers can see that television shows contain violence more often than not. While some might believe that positive messages on television balance out much of the violent content, the study showed that fewer than 5% of television shows aired messages against violence. Content analysis allows us to see that television shows about 60% more violence than anti-violent measures.

What is worrisome about this data is that it shows how television can shape children’s socialization. According to the Henry J. Kaiser foundation, it can affect a child’s self-concept, making him afraid of becoming a victim of violence. The foundation also suggests that television violence can change the way in which children interact with their peer groups. Children who were shown a video of an actor hitting a doll were less likely to ask an adult for help when their classmates acted violently towards them than those who had not seen the film. In another study, according to the foundation, children who watched an episode of The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers were more likely to engage in violent behavior such as kicking, hitting, name-calling or shoving than those who had not seen the episode. On the flip side, children who watched Mr. Rogers Neighborhood were more likely to share their toys with their peers. What is perhaps most worrying is that some studies have also shown that children who watch violence on television are more likely to be aggressive as they get older as those who do not. These studies show that nurture, not just nature, has a significant impact on children’s socialization and development.