Finally, the authors attempted to assess the effect of perceived realism and viewer knowledgeability in reference to the topic (560). In reference to realism, the authors hypothesized that an audience’s acceptance of a program’s realism may affect viewers’ attitudes, cognitions, and concerns (561). Similarly, Feldman and Sigelman hypothesized that television was unlikely to change the political opinion of a well-informed viewer, while it may “imprint” a message on an ill-informed spectator (561).
The byproducts of the film The Day After, which include media coverage and personal discussion, had significant effects on individual opinions (571). These modifications include greater support for U.S. – Soviet arms limitation, increased concern over Nuclear War and Knowledge of Nuclear War, increased concern over Relations with Russia, and an increase in Thinking about Nuclear War among those who did not watch the movie (571-572). Yet, The Day After itself produced little