Cultivation theory states that television engenders negative emotions in heavy viewers. Noting that cultivation methodology contains an apparent response bias, a study examined relationships between television exposure and positive restatements of cultivation concepts and tested a more instrumental media uses and effects model. Cultivation was thought to be linked to greater viewing selection, intention, attention, and perceived realism. Subjects, 392 adults (ages 17 to 88, 50.5% male, 49.5% female) completed a questionnaire. Correlation analysis showed television exposure to be unrelated to the positively worded cultivation measures; program selectivity was related to all cultivation measures except interpersonal connectedness. Regression analyses added that individual demographic differences and program selectivity accounted for most of the variance in cultivation perceptions. Findings suggested that methodology may explain cultivation effects that have been attributed to television exposure levels, and that, by using positive concepts, the notion that TV can have only negative influences on personal perceptions is underscored as a fallacy. Findings also suggested that television may not be the dominant influence on many interpersonal perceptions. The instrumental media uses and effects model tested with some success. (Five tables of data and notes are appended.) (Author/NKA)