The relationship between formal filmic means and the segmentation behavior of film viewers

Author(s): Hesse, F. W., Garsoffky, B.

Journal/Book: J Broadcast Electron Media. 1998; 42: 1771 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Broadcast Educ Assoc. 237-249.

Abstract: The present study addressed the question of whether formal filmic means (e.g., cuts) serve a syntactic function for the viewers by guiding them in segmenting the continuous flow of events depicted in the film. Three films depicting complex production processes were shown to 48 apprentices. We adopted a procedure developed by Newtson (1973) in which participants were required to segment the film content by pressing a button each time a production step ended and a new one began. Results show that the occurrence of either visual or auditory formal filmic means led to an increase in the proportion of segmentations. Also, formal filmic means indicating a change of scene elicited more marked segmentation behavior than formal filmic means indicating minor changes within scenes. No general effect on segmentation behavior could be found for the spectators' expertise for the depicted film content.

Note: Article Schwan S, Univ Tubingen, Dept Appl Cognit Psychol, German Inst Res Distance Educ, D-72074 Tubingen, GERMANY

Keyword(s): COMMERCIALS; PERCEPTION; RECALL; EVENTS

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