Aggression

Question 1

Aggression

Answer 1

The prime motive for hostile aggression is to harm an opponent
Aggressive actions violate the rules of any game and such indiscretions are dysfunctional in the context of sport
Often aggressive players will disrupt the team’s performance and spoil the cohesion of the group

Question 2

Assertion

Answer 2

Also known as channelled aggression
Assertive behaviour does not attempt to harm and is strictly within the rules and spirit of the game
Assertion often involves forceful play, primarily focussed upon completing the skill successfully
The major aim of assertion if the successful completion of the task
Assertion was described as non-hostile self-protective mastery behaviour.

Question 3

Theories of Aggression

Answer 3

1 Instinct theory

2 Social Learning Theory

3 Frustration Aggression Hypothesis

4 Aggressive cue Hypothesis

Question 4

Instinct theory

Answer 4

This theory sees aggression as a natural response which is innate and instinctive.
It is animalistic
Humans developed aggression as a survival instinct

Critical evaluation of this theory
But not all people are aggressive
But aggression shown by people at different times depends on the situation/ environment

Question 5

Social Learning Theory

Answer 5

Aggression is not genetically based but is nurtured through environmental forces
Aggression can be learned by watching and copying role models; it becomes an acceptable mode of behaviour if reinforced
Aggression is likely to occur if part of social and cultural norms of a group

Critical evaluation of this theory
At times we do not copy those that model behaviour (role models) – this opposes the social learning view.
Counter-cultural behaviour/wanting to be different/strong sense of independence can lead to role models/required behaviour being countered/ignored.
Sometimes you can’t help being aggressive/innate feelings counteract what we ought to be doing/how we are behaving.

Question 6

Frustration Aggression

Hypothesis

Answer 6

An interactionist theory—involves an environmental circumstance stimulating a personality gene
Frustration develops when goal directed behaviour is blocked
Frustration triggers the aggressive gene
Aggressive to achieve catharsis/to feel better/to release frustration
Often aggression if punished leads to more aggression/lack of catharsis
Often caused by perceived/actual unfairness (e.g. refs’/officials’ poor decisions)
Frustration caused by poor personal performance (e.g. having a poor game)

Critical evaluation of this theory
But we do not all behave like this in frustrating circumstances
Does not take into consideration differing circumstances/environment
Aggression is never satisfying to most people and can create regret or leads to low self-esteem

Question 7

Aggressive cue Hypothesis

Answer 7

A second interactionist perspective
Frustration creates a ‘readiness’ for aggression—only triggered when a provocative environmental cue is present
Aggressive cues such as perceived unfairness, the opposition shirt or the nature of the game can trigger aggression if arousal is high amongst performers
Because cue is identified with expected/desired behaviour/we have learned this response from previous experiences
Conditioned response/S-R bond that has been learned - operant conditioning
You get praise/reinforcement if you are aggressive

Critical evaluation of this theory
The same cue can elicit different responses at different times for the same person
The same cue can elicit different responses for different people
We have the perceptual ability/control to be able to recognise inappropriate aggression and avoid it