Lesson 12: Desensitisation, Disinhibition, Cognitive Priming

Question 1

What is the role of desensitisation?

Answer 1

Theory proposes with continual exposure to a stimulus our responses to that stimulus are decreased
So, if aggression presented to us on daily basis, reduction to our response to aggression happens

Question 2

EVAL of desensitisation.

Answer 2

GOOD: Research support
BAD: lack of ecological validity

Question 3

Role of disinhibition

Answer 3

Proposes that our normal restraints are loosened after exposure to media violence
Aggressive behaviour becomes normalised
Norms governing our behaviour altered from non-acceptance to acceptance

Question 4

EVAL for disinhibition.

Answer 4

GOOD: Research support
GOOD: practical application
BAD: shows determinism which won’t work in court of law

Question 5

Role of cognitive priming.

Answer 5

Proposes that the influence of aggression in computer games provides individuals with scripts for their behaviour when they perceive environmental stimulus as aggressive in the future
Maintains that there’s priming effect of media images on previously learnt behaviours
Violent video games has priming effect on individuals so that they’re also violent

Question 6

EVAL of cognitive priming.

Answer 6

GOOD: Real world applications
GOOD: Research support (males, aggressive song lyrics, higher levels of hot chilli sauce)
BAD: Confounding variables in research