Enhancing children's science television programming : learning, interest, motivation and behavioral intent responses to music video and motion graphics

Abstract

This study examines the effects of music video and motion graphic formal features on the learning, interest, future motivation and behavioral intent of 139 6th-8th grade students in Bozeman, MT. We created two original films containing the same scientific content, one music video and one narrative. A version of each was overlain with motion graphics for a total of four film treatments. The films can be found at: http://vimeo.com/53824212 Students' learning performance decreased with the music video format and increased with motion graphics. There was no significant difference in measures of interest between the different treatments. However, when compared to neutral, all treatments scored higher than neutral for measures of interest. Results indicate that music video format may not be ideal for increasing learning, but the assistance of graphics will aid learning. High interest in all treatments indicates that production choices based on previous research can produce positive effects on interest. Results will aid in future design of educational television programming. [Note: films cannot be accessed at above address without password.]