aggression Flashcards
aggression
behaviour with an intent to hard, outside the rules of the game
assertion
forceful Behaviour within the rules of the game
instinct theory
proposes that the trait of aggression is innate, which is stable and enduring and consistent across situations
strengths of instinct theory
- aggression can be natural and arise due to genetics
- explains why some people are predictably aggressive and how it can be hard to control
weaknesses of instinct theory
- too simplistic
- people don’t always behave aggressively
- it is shown by people at different times
- it is often copied from others and it generally doesn’t happen without being provoked
social learning theory
proposes that aggression is learned from the environment and comes from the imitation of significant others
strengths of social learning theory
- explains how people act differently in different situations
- shows how people are affected by the environment, particularly significant others
weaknesses of social learning theory
- doesn’t explain aggression in young children
- doesn’t take into account individual’s personality
frustration aggression hypothesis
proposes that frustration develops when goal directed behaviour is blocked and this always leads to aggression
strengths of frustration aggression hypothesis
- acknowledges the link between frustration and aggression
- recognises individuals may have innate aggressive traits
- evidence of goal directed behaviour leading to aggression occurring in sport
weaknesses of frustration aggression hypothesis
- frustration does not always lead to aggression
- aggression can occur without frustration
- not everyone gets frustrated when goal directed behaviour is blocked
carthasis
- ‘letting off steam’
- the release of frustration which leads to a feeling of well-being
aggressive cue hypothesis
proposes that frustration and increased arousal creates a readiness for aggression, which will only be triggered if provoked by a cue from the environment
strengths of aggressive cue hypothesis
- acknowledges the link between arousal and aggression
- evidence that aggression is more likely to occur when arousal levels are high and states there must be a cue present in the environment for aggression to occur
weaknesses of aggressive cue hypothesis
- aggression can occur without high arousal levels
- doesn’t consider how aggression can be lessened
