The Cultivation Theory

The Cultivation Theory: “Hierarchy of the Mind.”

Have you ever questioned what influences the way you think most? Where do we draw these thoughts from religion, music, television, opinion leaders and/or environment? This essay will attempt clarification on this cultivation theory. Although much cultivation focuses on determining the key variables that might influence the relationship between exposure and perception of the social world, the potential for personality traits to influence the elicitation of cultivation effects has been ignored. Some would have you think thoughts derive from one of the five senses. The concept of Descartes' solipsism is the idea that all reality exists in the mind. “I think, therefore I am.” Still, does the cultivation of thoughts pose an intriguing question?

The definition of the word cultivation 2 is development, especially through education or training; to improve or foster (the mind or body) as study, education or labor. Such philosophers as Plato, Gerber, Eysenck and Maslow questioned these ideologies with their own theories. If never being exposed to violence would you even know what it was or what to call it? In Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave,” he posed such an idea. Of that which you do you not know, you are a prisoner because you were born in the cave and it is the only life you have ever known. Likewise you are satisfied with your life because you cannot imagine anything different. In our world reception is based off perception. Perception however is where we base our thoughts from. In other words what you see, forms how you see it. The bible says it best out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (St. Matthew 12:34). So what you put in will eventually come out.

In addition to violent programming the same can be said about the sexual content. According to H. J. Eysenck (1990), personality is a hierarchical structure comprised of single and habitual cognitions or acts, dimensions or patterns of thoughts and...