Author: Austin, Bruce A.

Publication Year: 1981

Media Type: Report

Summary:

This article reviews the scientific literature related to the Motion Picture Association of America's film rating system to ascertain the degree to which this self-regulatory policy has met its purpose and goal.

Abstract:

This article reviews the scientific literature related to the Motion Picture Association of America's film rating system to ascertain the degree to which this self-regulatory policy has met its purpose and goal. In any communications media, policy decisions and policymaking that affect people must be developed with an eye toward behavioral implications. Further, the behavioral outcomes must be periodically assessed to allow policymakers and others to gain an understanding of and insight into the full range of effects (both intentional and unintentional) that such policies may have. While philosophical considerations are often the spark that ignites policymakers to action, in the final analysis it is the efficacy and utility of such policies and their means for implementation that must be judged in light of their behavioral outcomes. Clearly, the results of systematic behavioral research can serve as a meaningful and useful criterion by which to judge the policy's effectiveness and to determine whether or not it is accomplishing that which it sets out to achieve.

CONTENTS
Origin and purpose of the movie rating system.
Social science theory and MPAA implementation.
Research and the rating system.

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