How does psychological research effect what goes into childrens television programmes?

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How does psychological research effect what goes into children’s television programmes? Why do creators/writers choose to include certain themes, actions and relationships within a show? Is this to benefit children? Or is it simply to entertain? How my research into developmental psychology has changed how I see these programs, and how I’ve become an active viewer from a passive viewer. Introduction: Education has an indubitable impact on the human society. It is an established mantra in contemporary society that knowledge is power and it is these powers that not only help people become more valuable in society but help our children develop into successful and valuable adults. A study carried out in the Daily Mail found that British children spend ‘average of five hours and 20 minutes in front of screens a day.’ Within this essay interest and research is aimed at the famous American-based but globally renowned hour-long children’s television program ‘Sesame Street’. Discussion will arise around the creators/ writers’ decisions on the content of the show and its themes, actions and relationships. A number of developmental psychological theories will be researched and analysed in relation to the show’s production decisions and whether Sesame Street’s content is influenced by this. There will also be focus on the impact of parental roles and most importantly the overall education of the child within a social arena, working alongside this will be great insight into Sesame Street’s purpose as a children’s television show and if the children watching are only simply being entertained? Sesame Street (established in 1969), is aimed and intended for a demographic of children at the preschool stage of between three and seven years old. It incorporates everyday actors with colourful puppets, animation and educational narrative running throughout each episode.
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