The investigation of the effect of family structure, family attitudes and television on the language development of children between the ages of 2-4

The main purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of the family structure, family attitudes and television on language development of children between the ages of 2-4. The study group of this study consists of 131 parents who have children between the ages of 2-4 and their children. In this study, Family Information Form, Parental Attitude Scale (PAS), Denver II Developmental Screening Test, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, T.V. Follow-up Form are used as quantitative data collection tools. In line with these purposes, descriptive statistics were conducted through SPSS 21. As one of quantitative research methods, relational screening model is used. In the study, according to Fisher results, it is seen that receptive language skills change according to income level (x2= 17.172, p < 0,05).Denver scores differ according to the socio-economic levels of children between the ages of 2-4(x2=14,828, p= 0,019). A significant relationship is found between income levels of families and children's language development. Considering the findings regarding parental attitudes in this study, these findings are consistent with the findings regarding dominant parental attitudes in our country (x2= 4,84; p>0,05).As the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test is examined in terms of average scores, it is seen that children's receptive language skills are represented at a higher rate (advanced level) (37%) especially in elementary families. When Denver test is examined in terms of average scores, it is seen that the general language skills of children are represented at a higher rate (49%) especially in elementary families. According to the mother's education level, language development characteristics of children between the ages of 2-4 differ significantly in terms of the recipient language (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) (x2= 13.584, p < 0,05). Another striking finding of the study is that mother education level is not effective on the recipient language, whereas, it is effective on the the level of overall language development. According to the father's education level, language development characteristics of children between the ages of 2-4 differ significantly in terms of the recipient language (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test) (x2=12,34; p>0,05). In other words, a significant relationship is found between the father's education level and the recipient language characteristics of children. In the study, it is revealed that socio-economic level, education level of parents have an effect on language development. It is considered that the language level of children is lower due to the educational status of mother and father in extended families and low economic status of these families. In accordance with these results, it is suggested that theresearch study can be replicated with a larger sample group and this study can be conducted with different age group children and their families in different residential areas. The study can be extended to investigate the effect of the number of siblings and thetypes of programs watched on TV on language development. Furthermore, it is proposed to carry out a study with the sample group of children living in rural and urban settlements. Key Words: Family structure, family attitude, television, language development, child.