Chapter 9: Aggression - Hurting others

Question 1

What is aggression?

Answer 1

• Physical or verbal behaviour intended to hurt someone physically or emotionally

Question 2

What are the two types of aggression?

Answer 2

• Hostile aggression - aggression driven by anger and performed as an end in itself (ex. bullying)
• Instrumental aggression - aggression that is a means to some end (ex. wars, assassinations, terrorism). Have other motivations for the aggression

Question 3

What’s the frustration-aggression theory?

Answer 3

• The theory that frustration (the blocking of goal-directed behaviour) triggers a readiness to aggress (i.e., a state of arousal)
• This can cause displacement, where there’s a redirection of aggression to a target other than the source of the frustration
• This target is generally a safer or more socially acceptable target

Question 4

What did the Berkowitz and LePage experiment using the presence of a weapon discover?

Answer 4

• Individual was much more likely to shock the individual more if they were angry and there was a weapon present
• When not angry and no weapons present, participant was more likely to shock the participant compared to when the weapon was present and the person wasn’t angered.

Question 5

What are the effects of having a physical firearm in the home?

Answer 5

• 3X more likely to be murdered (by a family member or a close acquaintance)
• 2X more likely to die by suicide

Question 6

What are some of the major pathways to aggression?

Answer 6

• When confronted with an aversive situation, one will be motivated by:
  1) Hostile thoughts and memories
  2) An angry feeling
  3) Become aroused
• All these can culminate to an aggressive reaction

Question 7

T/F: Violent crime is much more likely to happen in hotter months

Answer 7

• TRUE

Question 8

What type of aggression are men and women more likely to engage in.

Answer 8

• Men more likely to engage in physical aggression
• Women more likely to engage in relational aggression

Question 9

Explain the model behind aggression as a learned social behaviour?

Answer 9

• Having aversive experiences can lead to emotional arousal
• This in conjunction with the anticipated consequences that come from rewards and costs can lead to more aggression

Question 10

What’s the general model for video games and violence?

Answer 10

• Repeated violent game-playing interacts with:
  1) Aggressive beliefs and attitudes
  2) Aggressive perceptions
  3) Aggressive expectations
  4) Aggressive behaviour scripts
  5) Aggressive desensitization
• All these can contribute to an increased aggressive personality
• This is still a very mild link

Question 11

Are microaggressions considered a form of aggression?

Answer 11

• No

Question 12

What type of aggression is terrorism?

Answer 12

• Most is instrumental aggression.

Question 13

What brain areas have been observed to differ in those who are considered very violent?

Answer 13

• They are observed to have smaller amygdalas and potentially less active PFCs
• Seen in MRI scans of men with antisocial conduct disorder.

Question 14

T/F: High testosterone levels may be associated with higher aggression levels

Answer 14

• TRUE

Question 15

T/F: Pain (physical and psychological) inhibits aggressiveness in humans

Answer 15

• FALSE
• Pain heightens aggressiveness in humans