Children absorb more information by watching TV than by reading, says a study done by Juliette Walma van der Molen and Tom van der Voort of Leiden University in the Netherlands. Five news stories were distributed among 152 children aged 10-12 years. Half the children received information from the original televised form, while the other half were given printed transcripts of the story. The televised film was shown for two minutes while the printed material was allowed as long as the child wanted. When queried afterwards, 51 per cent of those who saw TV answered correctly while only 42 per cent of the reading group was right.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.