media influences - effects of computer games

Question 1

media influences

Answer 1

• TV, radio, internet, social media
• computer games are games that are played on a screen, using a mouse, keyboard or a handheld controller

Question 2

computer games

Answer 2

• there is growing evidence that computer + video games may have more powerful effects on aggression than TV
• effects = desensitisation, disinihibition, cognitive priming
  = the player takes a more active role compared to a relatively passive viewer
• game playing is more directly rewarding for the player via OPERANT CONDITIONING

Question 3

strength

Answer 3

• supported by social learning theory as a framework
• in Bandura’s BOBO doll studies, showed that when role models behaved aggressively
  = children copied that behaviour (imitation + modelling)
• similarly when children play violent video games, children will copy violent behaviour

Question 4

weakness

Answer 4

• the tern ‘aggression’ is defined in many ways
  = makes it difficult to measure objectively
• e.g. the dependant variable in studies that measure violence in computer games
  = the volume of white noise blasted at opponent
• however violence + aggression are not the same thing
• al violence is aggression but not all aggression is violence
• so studies depend on defining aggression
• questions the validity of studies