Correlation does not imply causality

One thing I wish our modern society could fully understand is the concept that correlation does not imply causality.  This is for many reasons, including extraneous variables that cannot be accounted for.  I am writing this post because of noticing some trends with my children's behavior after watching television.

My eldest child will beg to continue watching television even after we complete an agreement.  I usually let her watch one more episode of a streamed show than I intentionally allowed.  However, she becomes angry once I tell her she is not getting any more of her favorite show at the moment.  I have also noticed a lack of creativity in her imaginative play.  The lack of creativity was noted by T. M. Williams' study investigating three Canadian cities (1986).  One city had no television, one city had one channel, and one city had three channels.  Much of my observations include the eldest talking about being a "princess" or doing something she saw while watching a cartoon.

The attitude toward having television taken away boggles me at times.  There are times when there are no arguments, whereas other times it is a pre-school fit fest.  There is documented correlation between aggression, anger, and fear due to viewing of television in children.  Why?  It could be due to the lack of activity one engages in while viewing shows.  It could be due to the rapid scene flashes which stimulate the brain.  It could be related to family dependence on the activity (some studies note that increased television viewing in families masks dysfunction).  Whatever the answer(s) may be, limiting the viewing time seems to be the best thing to do for my child.

When television is removed, I see a happier child.  Both of my children are less apt to fight, listen to my instructions better, and are more willing to help with work around the house.  While watching television seems to occupy time of children, I ask, is it really the best thing?  Most likely not, due to variables that cannot be accounted for.  The evidence is there, you just have to know where to find it!

Some studies to review for more information:

Singer, J. & Singer, D. (1986). Family experiences and television viewing as predictors 
     of Children's imagination, restlessness, and aggression. Journal of social issues, 42(3), 
     107-124.

Steuer, F.B., & Hustedt, J. T. (2002). TV or No TV? A primer on the psychology of television. 
      Lanham, Maryland: University Press of America.

Williams, T.M. (ed., 1986). The impact of television: A natural experiment in three communities. Orlando, FL: Academic Press (Harcourt/Elsevier).