Synopses & Reviews
This collection represents a systematic exploration of media entertainment from an academic perspective. Editors Zillmann and Vorderer have assembled scholars from psychology, sociology, and communication to provide a broad examination of the primary function of media entertainment--the attainment of gratification. Chapters included here address vital aspects of media entertainment and summarize pertinent findings, providing an overview of what is presently known about the appeal and function of the essential forms of media entertainment, and offering some degree of integration. Written in a clear, non-technical style, this volume provides a lively and entertaining study of media entertainment for academic study and coursework.
Table of Contents
The coming of media entertainment / Dolf Zillmann -- Interactive entertainment and beyond / Peter Vorderer -- Humor and comedy / Dolf Zillmann -- Conflict and suspense in drama / Peter Vorderer and Silvia Knobloch -- Violence, mayhem, and horror / Glenn G. Sparks and Cheri W. Sparks -- Sex on entertainment television / Bradley S. Greenberg and Linda Hofschire -- Affect-talk and its kin / Gary Bente and Ansgar Feist -- Children's likes and dislikes of entertainment programs / Patti M. Valkenburg and Joanne Cantor -- Sports on the screen / Jennings Bryant and Arthur A. Raney -- Music and music videos / Christine H. Hansen and Ranald D. Hansen -- Video games and the pleasures of control / Torben Grodal -- The respondent gender gap / Mary Beth Oliver -- Personality and entertainment preferences / James B. Weaver III -- The aesthetics of media fare / Gerald C. Cupchik and Stephen Kemp.