Aggression

Question 1

What is the definition of aggression?

Answer 1

An intentional behaviour aimed at causing either physical or psychological pain

Physical or verbal aggression intended to hurt someone

A response that delivers noxious stimuli to another organism

Question 2

What are the 3 key elements of aggression?

Answer 2

1. Delivery of noxious stimuli by one organism to another
2. Noxious stimuli delivered with intent to harm victim
3. Aggressor expects the noxious stimuli to have the the intended effect

Question 3

What is the frustration-aggression theory?

Answer 3

The idea that frustration (perception that you are being prevented from obtaining a goal) increases probability of aggressive behaviour

Question 4

What are some issues with the frustration-aggression theory?

Answer 4

1. Does frustration always lead to aggression?
   - NO
2. Does frustration only stem from frustration?
   -NO

Question 5

How could genetics/biochemistry influence aggression?

Answer 5

Animals can be bred for aggressiveness - gives the idea that genetics are at play

MZ > DZ twins re: share violent tempers

Basic temperament has a strong genetic component

High testosterone associated with aggression

Low serotonin (neurotransmitter) associated with aggression

Question 6

How do children learn social learning in aggressive behaviour?

Answer 6

Children learn:
- when to aggress
- How to aggress
- Against whom to agress

From:
- parents
- peers
-Media

Question 7

What are the mechanisms for children learning aggressive behaviour?

Answer 7

1. Reinforcement
2. Modelling (e.g Bobo dolls)

Question 8

How do environmental influences (e.g heat) influence behaviour

Answer 8

Aggression increases when temperature is high
- think climate change and on the rising temperature

Question 9

Does income inequality affect aggression?

Answer 9

As income inequality goes up - > the amount of homicides went up

In areas where people are doing better then you, the more aggression is shown

Question 10

Do violent people watch more violent movies study?

Answer 10

High aggression individuals are particularly prone to the negative effects of media violence

They chose violent TV (study 1)

They reacted with aggression effect to violent TV (study 2)

They aggress against the others after seeing violent TV (study 3)

Low aggression people are virtually unaffected

Question 11

Why does media violence leads to violence?

Answer 11

1. Weakened inhibitions
2. Provides skills/techniques
3. Cognition (i.e prime aggressive thoughts and memories
4. Emotional (desensitization)