What, When, and Why Deaf Children Watch Television
In: American annals of the deaf: AAD, Band 126, Heft 5, S. 493-498
ISSN: 1543-0375
Television viewing patterns of deaf and hearing children were compared. Children represented three age groups (grades 3, 6, 9). Parents filled out questionnaires regarding amount of viewing, when children watched television, who makes the viewing decisions, and preferences of the children for different program types. Research results showed deaf children watched more television than hearing children at all ages. Deaf children were given more responsibility in choosing amounts of viewing. Distinct patterns emerged for each group of subjects (by sex, grade, and hearing ability). No evidence was found for deaf children's reliance on visual programs. Suggestions for further research, implications for education and broadcasting, as well as possible explanations for the high amounts of TV viewing by deaf children are described.