The Impact of Genre and Perceived Realism on the Cultivation Process: A Re-Examination of Cultivation Theory

• In Event: Theoretical and Conceptual Issues in Mass Communication

Abstract

One criticism of cultivation is that it does not take into account the possible impact of program genre. This study investigated the impact of viewing crime shows while also investigating the influence of perceived realism and viewing motivations on mean world views and fear of crime. Findings indicate that viewing crime shows cultivates fear of crime and that this effect is mediated by perceived realism. No cultivation effect for overall television viewing emerged.

Authors

• Chelsea Hammond, University of Connecticut

• Kirstie Farrar, University of Connecticut

• Gerard C. Jalette, University of Connecticut