ERIC Number: ED255880
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1985-May
Pages: 46
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Attitudes and Values about Reading as Conveyed by Newspaper Comic Strips.
Kautz, Karen
A study was conducted to determine how often newspaper comic strips deal with the topic of reading and how often a positive attitude is revealed toward the act of reading. From January 1984 through December 1984, daily and Sunday comic strips from the "Newark Star Ledger" were reviewed. Counted or recorded were the number of times reading was the subject of the comic strip, the kind of attitude portrayed, and the kind of reading participation the characters exhibited. The results, 52% positive references and 48% negative references, do not suggest a significant difference in the portrayal of reading as a positive or negative activity. Most often the characters themselves were seen reading, during which time 69% of the material was read inactively as opposed to 31% of the material actually being read aloud. Male characters (79%) were seen participating in a reading activity more often than female characters (21%). The characters used the newspaper more often than any other material, with books being the second most popular choice. Newspapers could reinforce positive feelings toward reading by increasing the number of comic strips that show reading as a worthwhile activity. (Reviews of related literature, references and numerous tables of findings are included.) (EL)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Dissertations/Theses - Masters Theses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: M.A. Thesis, Kean College of New Jersey.