Addressing Sensitive Subject Matter with Formative Research: Sex, Drugs, and Children's Television.
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| Title: | Addressing Sensitive Subject Matter with Formative Research: Sex, Drugs, and Children's Television. |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sroka, Iris E., Children's Television Workshop, New York, NY. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 50 |
| Publication Date: | 1993 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Speeches/Meeting Papers |
| Descriptors: | Children, Childrens Television, Drug Education, Elementary Education, Elementary School Students, Formative Evaluation, Moral Issues, Production Techniques, Programing (Broadcast), Qualitative Research, Research Design, Research Methodology, Scientific and Technical Information, Sex Education, Social Problems, Surveys, Television Research, Values |
| Abstract: | "3-2-1 CONTACT Extras" (Extras) are television specials produced by "3-2-1 CONTACT," a television series on science and technology for 8- to 12-year-olds. The production of each Extra is typically accompanied by an extensive program of formative research, designed to examine issues of comprehension and appeal, that helps guide development. Extras have explored timely topics, but two of the most recent dealt with particularly sensitive subject matter, sex and puberty, and drugs. These topics offered challenges above and beyond those typically presented in the context of production research. How the design of the formative research and the selection of methods in the development and production process met the challenges of each show is detailed. For both specials, qualitative techniques were heavily used to explore these sensitive and potentially provocative topics. For the show on drugs, the context needed to encourage and support openness and frankness so that children would feel comfortable sharing thoughts and experiences with drugs. For the show on sex and puberty, a similar concern required managing the research with clarity and discretion. For these reasons, research included surveys of parents to ensure that their comfort levels were also supported. Eleven tables summarize research development. (SLD) |
| Entry Date: | 1993 |
| Accession Number: | ED357071 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | "3-2-1 CONTACT Extras" (Extras) are television specials produced by "3-2-1 CONTACT," a television series on science and technology for 8- to 12-year-olds. The production of each Extra is typically accompanied by an extensive program of formative research, designed to examine issues of comprehension and appeal, that helps guide development. Extras have explored timely topics, but two of the most recent dealt with particularly sensitive subject matter, sex and puberty, and drugs. These topics offered challenges above and beyond those typically presented in the context of production research. How the design of the formative research and the selection of methods in the development and production process met the challenges of each show is detailed. For both specials, qualitative techniques were heavily used to explore these sensitive and potentially provocative topics. For the show on drugs, the context needed to encourage and support openness and frankness so that children would feel comfortable sharing thoughts and experiences with drugs. For the show on sex and puberty, a similar concern required managing the research with clarity and discretion. For these reasons, research included surveys of parents to ensure that their comfort levels were also supported. Eleven tables summarize research development. (SLD) |
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