Research Exercise: A Content Analysis of Violence in Cartoons
You will choose two cartoons, (1) Bugs bunny and (2) Phineas and Ferb. Bugs bunny was one of the most popular cartoons in the 1950s. Phineas and Ferb is one of the most popular cartoons in the early 2000s. Please watch 3 episodes of both types of cartoons on Youtube. You do not have to watch an entire episode of Phineas and Ferb, you can just watch 5-10 minutes. However, feel free to watch an entire episode, because your data may be much better. The primary variable (dependent variable) for this research study is violence.
First, conduct a conduct analysis of the cartoons. Use manifest coding and latent coding. I actually want you to collect data and post your findings. For manifest coding you should create a table that shows your findings. I recommend that you create a table for you latent coding scheme. You would therefore have two tables.
Second, write about your findings in paragraph. What did you find interesting about your findings. Do you believe watching violence on TV or movies can lead to violent behavior? Do you believe playing violent video games can make a person more violent or aggressive? What other type study would you being interested in doing that utilizes content analysis?