Aggression Flashcards
Define ‘aggression’
The intent to harm outside the laws of the game
Define ‘assertion’
Forceful behaviour within the laws of the game
Suggest some causes of aggression
- Bias of the referee
- Retaliation
- Importance of comp (pressure)
- Contact sport
- Poor play (frustration)
- Hostile crowd/ rivalry
Name three theories of aggression
- Interactionist
- Social learning
- Instinct
Describe instinct theory
- Aggression is innate
- Result of evolution
- Aggressive desire needs to be released
Give three criticisms of instinct (trait) theory
- Suggests everyone shows aggressive behaviour
- Not all aggression is spontaneous
- Doesn’t acknowledge that people can learn not to be aggressive
Name the two theories within interactionist theory
- Frustration Aggression Hypothesis
- Aggressive Cue Hypothesis
Describe Frustration Aggression Hypothesis theory (Interactionist theory)
- Frustration causes aggression
- Aggression will either cause catharsis or punishment
Give two criticisms of frustration aggression hypothesis theory
- Frustration doesn’t always lead to aggression
- Catharsis is unlikely but also would be punished and so would not ease frustration for long
Describe Aggressive Cue Hypothesis (Interactionist theory)
- Frustration increases arousal
- There must be an environmental trigger to cause aggression as well as elevated arousal
- Dependent on personality and experience
Describe social learning theory
Aggressive behaviour is observed and copied
Give two criticisms of social learning theory
- Dismisses importance of personality type
- People are free to make their own choices and won’t always copy significant others
Name six ways in which aggression can be reduced
- Down-play the importance of an event
- Remove performer from the situation
- Demo non-aggressive role models
- Punish to break S-R bond
- Positive reinforcement
- Stress management
