Media Influences - Cognitive Priming Flashcards
What does cognitive priming propose regarding the influence of aggression in the media and computer games?
Cognitive priming proposes that the influence of aggression in the media and computer games provides individuals with ‘scripts’ for their responses and behavior when they perceive an environmental stimulus as aggressive. It suggests a priming effect of media images on previously learned behaviors or cognitive schema.
How does cognitive priming explain the increased likelihood of aggression in players of violent computer games?
According to cognitive priming, violent computer games may increase the likelihood of aggression in players who have learned aggressive responses in the past or hold aggressive schema. Playing a game where aggression is rewarded creates an internal script (schema) that guides the individual to respond aggressively in potentially aggressive situations.
What is the potential effect of violence in computer games on children, according to the information provided?
The violence in computer games has the effect of ‘priming’ children to violence. From a very early age, children have a range of violent scripts that guide their behavior. Depending on the situation, children select the appropriate script and act as an actor in the situation. This process can occur automatically without conscious thought in response to environmental cues.
How does cognitive priming view the relationship between media images and aggression?
Cognitive priming views the relationship between media images and aggression as having a priming effect. It suggests that exposure to media images can activate memories and make aggression more likely by influencing previously learned behaviors or cognitive schema.
