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College Students' Perceptions Of And Behavioral Intentions Toward A Popular Media Character With Qualities Of Asperger Syndrome, Lisa Meeks
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This study examines the potential mediating effects of prior knowledge regarding autism spectrum disorders and Asperger syndrome (AS), first and second-generation family ties, college major, gender, and level of exposure to Dr. Sheldon Cooper, the main character of The Big Bang Theory, on college students' perceptions of a popular television character who displays traits and characteristics of Asperger syndrome/autism spectrum disorder. Bandura's (1971a) Social Learning Theory and Social Cognitive Theory (2004b) provide the framework through which the researcher attempts to understand how popular media impacts college students' perceptions of autism spectrum disorders. A total of 102 college students (aged 18-40 …