11: Aggression

Question 1

Intentional behaviour aimed at causing physical harm or psychological pain to another person is called:

Answer 1

aggression.

Question 2

An object that is associated with aggressive responses (e.g. gun) and whose mere presence can increase the probability of aggression, is called an:

(Hint: AS)

Answer 2

aggressive stimulus.

Question 3

The notion that “blowing off steam” by performing a verbally or physically aggressive at, watching others engage in aggressive behaviours, or engaging in a fantasy of aggression, relate built-up aggressive energies and hence reduces the likelihood of further aggressive behaviours, is called:

Answer 3

catharsis.

Question 4

The theory that frustration, the perception that you are being prevented from attaining a goal, increases the probability of an aggressive response, is called the:

(Hint: F-AT)

Answer 4

Frustration-Aggression Theory

Question 5

Aggression stemming from feelings of anger and aimed at inflicting pain or injury is called:

(Hint: HA)

Answer 5

Hostile Aggression

Question 6

Aggression as a means to some goal other than causing pain, is called:

(Hint: IA)

Answer 6

Instrumental Aggression

Question 7

Ways of behaving socially, that we learn implicitly from our culture, are called:

Answer 7

scripts.

Question 8

The theory that people learn social behaviour (e.g. aggression) in large part by observing others and imitating them is called:

(Hint: SLT)

Answer 8

Social Learning Theory

Question 9

What are the 2 types of aggression?

Answer 9

1. Hostile aggression.

2. Instrumental aggression.

Question 10

What are the 4 main arguments towards explaining aggression?

Hint: ECGP

Answer 10

1. Evolution.
2. Culture.
3. Gender roles.
4. Physiological.

Question 11

What is the evolutionary argument towards explaining aggression?

Answer 11

Men are more aggressive than women, starting in childhood. This is so they can defend groups and perpetuate their genes. Nearly all men and animals have the ability to suppress aggression when necessary.

Question 12

According to evolutionary theory, why do men act out aggressively in sexual jealousy?

Answer 12

To protect paternity of their offspring.

Question 13

In the cultural argument towards explaining aggression, what culture is seen as having lower levels of aggression?

Answer 13

Collectivist cultures.

Question 14

What type of cultural tradition encourages men to respond aggressively to perceptions of threat and disrespect, extending to their male role and identity?

Answer 14

Cultures of honour.

Question 15

What is the gender based argument towards explaining aggression?

Answer 15

Men and boys are more likely to engage in overt, physical aggression. Women are more likely to engage in covert, relational aggression.

Question 16

What is the physiological argument towards explaining aggression?

Answer 16

Alcohol and certain drugs increase aggression as they reduce inhibitions and disrupt cognitive processing.

Question 17

What are the 3 situational influences on aggression?

Hint: FPA

Answer 17

1. Frustration.
2. Provocation and reciprocation.
3. Aggressive objects as cues.

Question 18

What theory is used to explain the relationship between frustration and aggression as being blocked from achieving one’s goal?

Answer 18

The Frustration Aggression Theory

Question 19

What is another social situation, aside from the Frustration Aggression Theory, that is observed contributing towards frustration and aggression?

Answer 19

Relative deprivation.

Question 20

What is relative deprivation?

Answer 20

The feeling that you have less than you deserve, or others similar to you have.

Question 21

How can provocation and reciprocation influence aggression?

Answer 21

We reciprocate the aggressive behaviour of others. If we belief the other persons negative behaviour was unintentional, this effect can be reduced.

Question 22

What were the result of a classic study demonstrating how aggressive objects can act as cues to aggression?

Answer 22

Participants angered in the presence of a gun administered stronger electric shocks to their ‘victim’ than those angered in the same setting with a tennis racket.

Question 23

What are the 2 main forms of evidence that aggression is learned by observing an imitating others?

Answer 23

1. Violence in the media.

2. Sexual violence against women.

Question 24

How does violence in the media teach aggression?

Answer 24

Most experimental and longitudinal studies indicate that violent content increases aggression in people, especially children.

Question 25

How does violence in the media teach sexual aggression?

Answer 25

Violent pornography increases acceptance of sexual violence towards women, mostly on men who are already predisposed to aggression towards women.

Question 26

The main behavioural S-R principle used to explain why individuals become more passive towards violence in the media is:

Answer 26

desensitisation.

Question 27

Aside from violence in the media, what else might cause a child to develop a disturbed attitude towards violence?

1.
2.
3.

Answer 27

1. Violent or abusive homes..
2. Violent communities.
3. Social rejection.

Question 28

What are the 4 characteristics typically observed in sexually aggressive men who rape women?

(Hint: NLHS)

Answer 28

1. Narcissistic traits.
2. Lack of empathy towards women.
3. Hostility and contempt towards women.
4. Sense of entitlement.

Question 29

What social factor may cause accidental rape?

Answer 29

Misunderstandings and ambiguities in sexual scripts we follow regarding sexual norms.

Question 30

Does severe punishment reduce aggression in children?

Why?

1.
2.

Answer 30

Severe punishment may actually enhance the attractiveness of breaking rules.

1. Encourages attention seeking.
2. Makes the child even angrier and more hostile.

Question 31

Does engaging in catharsis reduce aggression? Why?

Answer 31

Engaging in catharsis tends to increase aggression.

Because of self justification and the need to reduce dissonance.

Question 32

What type of aggression can catharsis lead to?

Hint: RA

Answer 32

Righteous aggression.

Question 33

What 4 things can we do to reduce aggression when we feel angry?

Answer 33

1. Learn to communicate feelings better.
2. Take responsibility for own actions.
3. Practice understanding and apology.
4. Strengthen empathic skills.