John P. Murray

The question of whether or not violence on television leads to violent attitudes and behavior in real life has been the topic of numerous sociological and psychological studies. In the following viewpoint, John P. Murray argues that such studies have conclusively demonstrated that violence in the media, especially television, is a contributing cause of violence in American society. Murray is a professor and director of the School of Family Studies and Human Services at Kansas State University. He has written numerous articles and books about television, including Big World, Small Screen: The Role of Television in American Society.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What are the differences and similarities between film violence and television violence, according to Murray?
2. What examples does the author give of instances when people...