Objective
Never before has media entertainment been so abundantly accessible to children. In this project, I propose an entirely new theoretical model to understand entertainment processing and effects. The model enables us to simultaneously investigate: (a) how and why certain types of media entertainment may influence certain children, (b) which children are particularly susceptible to positive, which to negative, and which to both positive and negative entertainment effects, and (c) how children s social environment can maximize positive and minimize negative entertainment effects on children. The project involves a longitudinal panel study among 900 Dutch families. To measure the variables in the model, we will use some well-established survey instruments and neuropsychological tests. We will also employ two less conventional methods (coded media-use diaries and experience sampling methods) that may enhance serendipity in the development of our theory-advancing insights. We will use state-of-the art data-analytic techniques (e.g. multi-level and latent-growth curve modelling) to analyse the data. Although adventurous, this transdisciplinary project, the first in its kind, has great theoretical significance. If the assumptions of my model are supported, it may lead to a fundamental re-evaluation of earlier media-effects theories and research on children. The project will also have tremendous social relevance, not only for parents, but also for programme makers, educators, and the society as a whole. After all, only if we truly understand why, how, and which children are influenced by certain types of media entertainment, are we able to adequately target prevention and intervention strategies at these children.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
ERC-2009-AdG
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Funding Scheme
ERC-AG - ERC Advanced GrantHost institution
1012WX Amsterdam
Netherlands