Television,Science,and Children: Formative Evaluation for 3-2-1 Contact

Abstract

Over fifty formative research studies with more than 10,000 eight- to twelve-year olds were conducted during the two-year pre-broadcast period for the new PBS series on science and technology, 3-2-1 Contact. Questions addressed included the types of programming most popular with the target audience, techniques for maximizing the appeal and comprehensibility of science material on TV, and children's attitudes towards science. New technologies were employed in the methodologies, including a microcomputer-based viewer response system and interactive cable. Research results, communicated in close working relationship with TV producers, guided development of the series to motivate children's interest in science and technology.

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