Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media , Fall, 1990. The eighth factor is suggested in Prothrow-Smith, Deboarh, Media Must Tell Truth About Violence, Media and Values , Fall, 1993. The ninth factor is taken from the MPAA guidelines, which assumes that parents want to know this information. Factors ten through sixteen were suggested by Dr. Dorothy Singer based on her research and familiarity with media research for the past twenty-five years. This gives the viewer mixed messages regarding violence.
Research indicates that the fear-potential of films is largely affected by the age of the viewer.
All viewers are affected by the following characteristics, but the effects vary by age group. An effective rating system must address this issue. The graphic presentation affects all viewers more than implied. Older children will be more affected by implied or abstract consequences of events. Younger children are less upset when the focus is not on the violent act or the threat of violence than when the focus is.