| Abstract: | Our analysis of Anglo American, Native American, and Hispanic adolescents confirms several predictions derived from a cognitive‐functional theory of television's socialization effects. The major predictions that learning and functionality evaluations of observed values lead to acceptance were supported for each of the three ethnic groups. As the theory predicts, adolescents accepted values observed in television when they recognized them (a measure of learning) and when they evaluated the values to be important in “being successful” in the United States (a measure of functionality). Perceived realism of television and total television exposure did not predict value acceptance. |
