Final answer:
The media scholar is examining the social effects, psychological effects, and cultural effects of Americans watching House, M.D., considering how television socializes individuals to norms, values, and beliefs, and influences their perception of the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
A media scholar looking at the reasons why so many Americans are watching House, M.D. on television is likely exploring the socializing effect of media. This includes social effects, such as how television provides reference groups and reinforces social norms, values, and believes. Such scholars may also be interested in the psychological effects and the cultural effects of media consumption; television can develop a person's view of the world by presenting a perceived reality, setting norms for viewers, and influencing their political preferences and evaluations. While not the primary focus in this context, economic effects might also be of interest, particularly in terms of how media consumption might affect consumer behavior.
The media's power to socialize individuals to culture, society, and politics is paramount, and programs like House, M.D. contribute to shaping social norms, attitudes towards health and medicine, and the collective perception of professionals in the medical field. This effect can also extend to cultivating values, which has been referred to as the cultivation theory, arguing that consistent media messaging develops an individual's worldview and sets norms by emphasizing certain topics or issues over others. Additionally, by examining the focus of media coverage and its agenda-setting power, scholars can understand what is deemed important to society and the influence it has on viewers.