Charlton et al

• What was the aim of the St Helena study conducted in 1995?


  To investigate the effect of introducing televeision on child aggression.
• How was the St Helena study designed?


  It was a natural experiment with observation before and after television was introduced.
• What was the sample size and age range in the St Helena study?


  160 children aged 3 to 8 years.
• How was the child behaviour observed in the St Helena study?


  Cameras were set up in the playgrounds of two primary schools to record child's behaviour.
• When were observations conducted in the St Helena study?


  Observations were made in 1994 (before television) and in 2000 (after television).
• What were the findings regarding television content in the St Helena study?

  Analysis showed minimal difference in the level of violence watched by children in St Helena compared to children in the UK.
• What were the main results of the St Helena study?


  There was no increase in antisocial behaviour among the children after television was introduced, according to video analysis and interviews.
• What types of data were collected in the St Helena study?


  Both quantitative data (checklist for aggession levels) and qualitative data (interviews).
• Give strengths for the St Helena study.

  High ecological validity due to natural conditions. Used data triangulation and measured changes over time with a pre-test, post-test design.
• Give limitations for the St Helena study.

  Low internal validity due to several uncontrolled variables. Low reliability as the study is difficult to replicate. No cause-and-effect relationship established because of poor control of variables.