Entropy and Structure

Abstract

Two measures of the complexity of television program form were compared: one based on several indicators of the Information Theory concept of entropy, the other measure based on coders' perception of several kinds of program structure. Factor analysis of complexity scores for programs yielded two dimensions for both kinds of complexity measures. Canonical correlation among the entropy and structure factors was also significant along two dimensions. The entropy and structure factors produced similar differences in the program selection patterns of viewers. It was found that one dimension of program complexity was differentially preferred by young adults and the more highly educated. The other dimension of program complexity did not produce different program preferences among viewers of different ages and education.