Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-1994

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Communication

Major Professor

Dhyana Ziegler

Abstract

This research examined perceptions of stereotypes of Black males on television situation comedies. This pilot study was designed to discover information about stereotypes of Black males and generate questions to pursue for further research. The method of analysis for the research was two fold: Focus groups and survey research. The purpose of this study was to assess individual's perceptions of stereotypes of Black males on television situation comedies and examine how these perceptions relate to race, gender, socioeconomic status, social interaction with Black males, and time spent viewing Black males on television situation comedies. Twenty-three focus group participants were divided into three groups by race and gender and each group was led by a moderator through five components during a 2 and 1/2 hour session. The participants were administered a Perception Assessment Survey then a Pre-Test Questionnaire. After which, they viewed two 30-minute television situation comedies. The participants were then administered a Post-Test Questionnaire and led by the moderator in a open discussion. The participants were administered a Wrap-up Questionnaire and the end of the session. The research found that race, gender, social interaction with Black males and time spent watching Black males on television determined how the various focus group participants perceived Black males on television situation comedies.

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