Beyond the Influences of Television: the New World of Home Video Games

Date of Graduation

Spring 1996

Degree

Master of Arts in Communication

Department

Communication

Committee Chair

James Sneegas

Abstract

This study is an exploratory study of the uses of video games by children, why children play video games, and the possible influences video games are having on children. While numerous studies have focused on the influences of television on children, little attention has been focused on video games and how they may be influencing children's behaviors. Participants in this study complete a written questionnaire, and additional participants participated in a focus group study. Results revealed significance in many areas, and showed that males play more video games than females, and play more violent video games than females. Violent video games correlated with emotions of hostility and children's motivations for playing video games related to the emotions expressed by children. Data also revealed that males, more than females, tend to play video games for relaxation, for arousal, and for stress release.

Subject Categories

Communication

Copyright

© Tamyra A Plank

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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