Date
May 2008
Department
Communication
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Chair
Cliff Kelly
Primary Subject Area
Mass Communications
Keywords
Film, Viewing habits, Christian audience, Media effects, Gerbner, Cultivation theory
Recommended Citation
Mast, Stephanie, "Quantitative Study Measuring the Effects of "Restricted" Film Content on a Biblical Worldview" (2008). Masters Theses. 16.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/16
Abstract
Film viewing remains a popular pastime among Americans, including Christians. The content contained in films can be contradictory to the values and beliefs that Christians uphold. Continually watching content that is in direct opposition to a Christian’s beliefs can affect their view of reality, otherwise known as their worldview. This study applies George Gerbner’s cultivation theory to the film medium, to see if restricted content consumption homogenizes Christians worldview towards a secular worldview. The research question advanced in this study looks at the effect of watching “restricted” content on a heavy Christian viewer’s worldview. The findings indicate that the more a Christian watches restricted content, the less likely they are to adhere to a biblical worldview.