Flemington, NJ, May 15, 2007 – Results of a national study among 789 Americans revealed that a clear majority of Americans (69%) believe that the 45-day jail sentence Paris Hilton received for violating probation was an appropriate punishment.

The communications research study was conducted by HCD Research, using its mediacurves.com web site, during on May 14-15, to obtain Americans’ views on comments made by Paris Hilton and Chelsea-Handler, a Hollywood comedian and talk show host.
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While viewing the comments, participants indicated their levels of agreement by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses are recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. Participants were asked a pre- and post-viewing question regarding Paris Hilton’s punishment.

The study included a national sample of male and female participants.

Among the study findings:

• Prior to viewing the video comments, among all responders, the majority of Americans (71%) reported that the 45-day jail sentence that Paris Hilton received was appropriate. Among males and females, 69% of male participants indicated that the sentence was appropriate compared to 72% of female respondents whom reported that the sentence was appropriate.   

• After viewing the video comments, among all responders, 69% of Americans reported that the 45-day jail sentence that Paris Hilton received was appropriate. Among males and females, 67% of male participants indicated that the sentence was appropriate compared to 71% of female respondents whom reported that the sentence was appropriate.  

To view agreement curves and detailed results, go to: www.mediacurves.com  The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.
 
HCD Research specializes in conducting communications research for the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, financial and entertainment industries, among others.
Headquartered in Flemington, NJ, the company's services include traditional and web-based communications research.  For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393. 

Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, managing partner, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).