Teaching cooperation on television

Conclusion The effects of media on the social behavior of young children is a topic to be treated seriously. Much of the literature has focused on negative outcomes. Little attention has been given to the intentional steps by which producers of children’s television can bring about positive social outcomes. The work of Stein and her associates is an exception (see Stein, 1972; Stein, Friedrich, & Vondracek, undated). It is not enough that we concern ourselves with reducing undesirable effects of television (e.g., removing the violence from Saturday morning cartoons). The means must be found to enhance desirable effects (e.g., positive forms of socialization). By defining and teaching social goals and measuring the results,Sesame Street has taken an important step in this direction. The research described in this paper was performed at Teaching Research, a Division of the Oregon State System of Higher Education, under a contract with Children’s Television Workshop, Inc. D. Lynn McDonald and Sherrill L. Whittemore were research assistants. Sandra Dawson, Sheryl Hirshon, Pearl Roossinck Paulson, Terry Toedtemeier, and Timm Tripplet worked on the project. H. Del Schalock of Teaching Research and Barbara F. Reeves, Patricia L. Hayes, and Edward L. Palmer of CTW provided many of the basic ideas. A complete technical report on the study is available (Paulson, McDonald, & Whittemore, 1973).