A qualitative look at middle SES preschoolers: media consumption and social behaviors

Young children are being exposed to more television than what is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and previous research has shown that aggression and violence can be correlated with cartoon exposure. However, little research has explored the influence on cartoon viewing on preschoolers in their typical home environments. Using social learning theory as a guide, this research used in depth interviews with parents and caregivers of preschoolers for insight into what types and amount of content preschoolers are consuming and what behaviors observers are witnessing after exposure. Contrary to expectations, participants of this study seemed to perceive more positive aspects of learned behaviors from cartoon exposure than negative. However, all participants displayed some form of negative behavior in certain situations, although sources from which these behaviors are learned could not be specifically identified