A new study of Americans by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute shows that watching TV, including TV news, diminishes a person’s score on a basic civic literacy exam.
In fact, the study of 2,508 Americans found that, for each hour of TV news and documentaries watched, a person loses 0.08% per hour per week in his test score. Watching a movie you own or rent is even worse, decreasing your test score 0.14% per hour per week!
The study also reports, “An American who lacks a college degree but has initiative and desire – and who does not spend too much time watching TV and talking on the phone – can acquire more knowledge than a couch potato with a college degree.”
The study shows that reading about current events and history in books, newspapers and magazines, discussing current events and public affairs daily or weekly, and participating in more involved or advanced politics (such as signing a petition or writing an elected official representative) all increased one’s test score on the basic exam, as did getting a bachelor’s degree and actively using the Internet.
Finally, the survey notes that Americans who do better on the civic literacy test also do better financially.
Among the questions asked on the exam were:
1) Which of the following are the inalienable rights referred to in the Declaration of Independence?
2) What are the three branches of government?
3) Name two countries that were our enemies during Word War II?
4) What part of the government has the power to declare war?
5) What was the main issue in the debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglass in 1858?
|
Behavior |
Change in Civic Knowledge |
|
Getting a bachelor’s degree |
+6.90% on the test |
|
Frequently discussing current events and public affairs |
+5.50% on the test |
|
Participating in politics |
+1.70% per action |
|
Reading about history or current events |
+0.10% per hour per week |
|
Watching movies you own or rent |
-0.14% per hour per week |
|
Visiting on the telephone |
-0.10% per hour per week |
|
Watching TV news or documentaries |
-0.08% per hour per week |
– Source: “Our Fading Heritage,” Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 11/20/08.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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