10- Week 10 - Aggression

Question 1

Define aggression

Answer 1

Behaviour intended to harm another individual
Proactive aggression - aggression to gain an intended other outcome.
Reactive aggression - the means and the end coincide, harm for it’s own sake.

Question 2

What is the role of culture, gender and individuals differences on aggression

Answer 2

Culture -
The social norms we grow up in or exist in generally show the path we will take. What’s acceptable to them is generally acceptable to you

Gender -
Across all cultures, men are more aggressive than women generally.

Individual differences -
Personality traits that make one more aggressive
Low in agreeableness 
Low on openness
High on neuroticism
Type A
Narcissism

Question 3

Are we born aggressive or are we taught to be aggressive?

Answer 3

Ultimately neither the nature nor nurture side of the debate is refuted. They seem to both be present to varying degrees.

Genes, testosterone, serotonin, executive functioning, corporal punishment, social learning theory, cycle of violence, socialisation, gender and culture.

Question 4

What situational influences impact affect, arousal and cognition of aggression?

Answer 4

Heat - violence spikes in warmer weather
Provocation and social rejection
Culture and negative effect
Alcohol - increases aggressive behaviour
Caffeine/sugar - can abate or increase chances of aggression

Question 5

What are the immediate and long term effects of exposure to violent forms of media on aggression?

Answer 5

• Increases the chances of interpreting others actions as violent.
• Games increase general arousal
• Desensitisation
• Reduces impulse control