1st Edition

Media Entertainment The Psychology of Its Appeal

Edited By Dolf Zillmann, Peter Vorderer Copyright 2000
    294 Pages
    by Routledge

    294 Pages
    by Routledge

    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.

    Contents: Preface. D. Zillmann, The Coming of Media Entertainment. P. Vorderer, Interactive Entertainment and Beyond. D. Zillmann, Humor and Comedy. P. Vorderer, S. Knobloch, Conflict and Suspense in Drama. G.G. Sparks, C.W. Sparks, Violence, Mayhem, and Horror. B.S. Greenberg, L. Hofschire, Sex on Entertainment Television. G. Bente, A. Feist, Affect-Talk and Its Kin. P.M. Valkenburg, J. Cantor, Children's Likes and Dislikes of Entertainment Programs. J. Bryant, A.A. Raney, Sports on the Screen. C.H. Hansen, R.D. Hansen, Music and Music Videos. T. Grodal, Video Games and the Pleasures of Control. M.B. Oliver, The Respondent Gender Gap. J.B. Weaver, III, Personality and Entertainment Preferences. G.C. Cupchick, S. Kemp, The Aesthetics of Media Fare.

    Biography

    Dolf Zillmann, Peter Vorderer

    "Zillmann and Vorderer offer a remarkable collection of articles exploring the state of empirical knowledge about contemporary popular media....What makes this book very appealing is not only the breadth of the coverage of all forms of media entertainment but also its depth of data and its application to many Western cultures....A must for all media collections because of its thoroughness and its careful examination and interpretation of pertinent research data."
    CHOICE

    "Dolf Zillmann and Peter Vorderer effectively collaborate to compile fourteen outstanding, informative, and highly recommended essays by experts in the field....Enhanced with both an author index and a subject index, Media Entertainment is invaluable, informative reading for students of mass media and the popular culture."
    The Midwest Book Review