View: Full Record   Author: Linebarger, Deborah L.; Chernin, Ariel; Kotler, Jennifer A. » Save Citation » Email Citation » View CMCH Synopsis Year: 2008 Article Title: "Lazy kids watch TV": Children's perceptions of media and non-media activities Journal: Journal of Children and Media Volume: 2 Edition: 1 Issue: 2 Pages: 37-55 ISBN/ISSN: 1748-2798 Source of Funding: Funding Source Not Stated in Paper Study Design: Experimental Study Publication Type: Journal Article Age Group: Childhood (birth-12 yrs), Preschool Age (2-5 yrs), School Age (6-12 yrs) URL: Abstract: Objective: To examine 4-8 year old children’s perceptions of media and non-media activities and how these perceptions influence their own media use. Design: Correlational study, assessed children’s beliefs about media and whether these beliefs were associated with their media use. Subjects and Setting: 74 children (37 males), ages 4-8, from 2 large cities in the Midwest and Northeast U.S. 64% European American, 16% African American, 7% Hispanic American, and 3% American Indian. Average parent had 13.72 years of education and earned $43,720 per year. Parents reported children’s access to and use of media. Children participated in in-home interviews, during which they matched personality characteristics and desires with different media types through pictorial cards. Intervention(s): N/A Outcome Measure(s): Children’s choices of media for various personality traits and moods (e.g., smart, happy, mad) and situations (e.g., when bored or wanting to learn). Results: Children were most likely to associate books with smart children (p<.001) and television with dumb children (p<.001). Children were most likely to want to read books when they wanted to learn more information (p<.001) and to want to play video games when they were bored (p<.001). Children who perceived books in a positive light were significantly more likely to read books (p<.05). Conclusion: Although children perceived different types of media to be associated with certain personality traits, there was limited evidence that children’s perceptions were associated with their own media use. © Center on Media and Child Health Keywords: Age Differences Beliefs Books Child Attitudes Children Computers Frustration Gender Differences Gender Roles Intelligence Learning Loneliness Perception Personality Print Media Recreation and Leisure Television Uses and Gratifications Video Games

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