Antisocial Behaviour Flashcards
What are the key elements of the social learning theory?
attention: the observer pays attention to the model, film encourage with music and FX. Retention: observer retains memory of behaviour
What determines whether behaviour is performed once observed?
Motivation: the observer must want to copy the behaviour
What increases someone’s motivation to repeat a behaviour?
if the role model is of high status and if the observer can identify with him/her (gender, age, race), if the role model is rewarded for behaviour: vicarious reinforcement/punishment (less motivation)
What is the research evidence for the SLT on children and aggressive behaviour?
Bandura 1965: 66 3y6m-6yrs, 3 conditions: model reward, model punished, no consequences for model in film who attacked a Bobo doll, more repeated in unpunished groups, no difference if rewarded, all groups same when offered rewards for repeating
What research shows different short and long term effects of media violence?
Comstock and Paik 1991: meta, 1000 findings, strong short term, weak long term,
What factors found by Comstock and Paik increase the effect of media aggression?
increased effect if model similar to observer, if violent behaviour is seen as an effective way of getting what you want: vicarious reinforcement
What real life evidence shows support for the SLT explanation of media violence?
Phillips: more murders of African-American males when fight where black lost was publicised, same for white males
What is a strength of research into SLT?
Different methods used: triangulated support, hard to operationalise aggression though
How does Anderson define desensitisation?
reduction in distress-related physiological reactivity to observations or thoughts of violence
What is empathy?
ability to realise and respond to the emotional states of others, this prevents us from hurting others
How is empathy affected by media violence?
if we have seen enough people suffering from the consequences of violence, our empathetic response is dulled, less inhibited, aggression more likely
Who conducted a study to evaluate the desensitisation explanation of media influences on ASB?
Grafman 2010: 22 boys 14-17yr, series of 60 videos randomly, violence low mild or moderate no extreme, rate aggression, MRI and sweat level monitor, as exposed to more violence: activation in part of brain associated with emotional response decreased
Who criticises research by Grafman?
Prof Griffiths, psychologist at International Gaming Research Unit: studies cant prove causal link between violent images and committing real life violence, does desensitisation to violence cause real negative effects?
What does the Professor say our behaviour is also influenced by?
people aren’t slaves to their biological systems: also depends on social and cognitive factors (like how much violence experienced as children)
What is a limitation of SLT that the desensitisation explanation solves?
SLT purely psychological, no account of physiological effects of violent media on the brain, but desensitisation does: complements the SLT explanation
