The Ideas of the Television Public about Mental Illness

to Broadcasting House and there underwent extensive questioning. These viewers did not know on arrival what the nature of the meeting would be, though they were aware that the evening would end with a general discussion of programmes. There were approximately 180 viewers in all, meeting in four groups of about 45 each. Once in the test room, group members were told of the purpose of the first half of the session. Their anonymity was heavily stressed and the dependence of both the B.B.C. and the public on the frankness of their answers was put clearly before them. The test administrator called out the various questions and group members entered their opinions in small booklets. Conditions of silence and of non-discussion were maintained. Far from being a difficult