Media influences on aggresiopm eval

Question 1

Research method model one

Answer 1

Some psychologists point out that research studies all have limitations that reflect their methodologies. These include lab experiments and correlational studies. Lab experiments often measure aggressive behaviour in unrealistic ways. Even strong positive correlations do not allow us to conclude that exposure to violent media causes aggression. As we have seen, even meta-analyses are not perfect. For instance, the quality of studies selected for inclusion can be poor and the quality of the meta-analysis reflects this. Such limitations make it difficult to reliably link violent media with aggressive behaviour.

However, we have also seen that this area has been researched by the full range of methodologies. Individual studies may be limited but the strengths of one often compensate for the weaknesses of another (e.g. internal and external validity). Lab experiments are highly controlled (internal validity), whereas correlational studies often include confounding variables. But correlational studies tend to measure media exposure in real-world situations such as people’s homes (external validity), whereas lab experiments do not.

Therefore, taken together, the fact that a range of different methodologies come to similar conclusions suggests exposure to violent media may have a causal influence on aggression.

Question 2

Defining aggression eval

Answer 2

One limitation of research is that aggression is defined in various ways. For example the dependent variable in studies is violent behaviour. Volume of white noise blasted at an opens and criminal convictions. However violence and aggression are not exactly the same behaviour. All violence is aggression but not all aggression is violence and not all aggression or violence is necessary criminal. The effects found in studies depend very much on how aggression is defined.
This variation in definitions means that the findings of studies are hard to compare

Question 3

Counterpoint eval

Answer 3

However meta analyses can help to overcome can help to overcome this problem. For instance Craig Anderson et al conducted comprehensive meta anywise which included 136 studies defying aggression in different ways. The researchers found that exposure to violent computer games was associated with increases in all outcome measure of aggression for both men and women. Furthermore the higher quality studies in the analysis showed an even greater significant effect. Therefore meta analyses that include various definitions of aggression are a valid method for uncovering the effect of media on aggression.

Question 4

Explaining research findings

Answer 4

One strength is that findings can be explained using SLT. Anderson et al 2017 present SLT as a convincing theoretical framework. They note that it is widely accepted that exposure to violence at home for example is harmful to children. Logically it makes sense that TV and video games are other soucres of social learning. Children are more likely to imitate aggressive behaviours when they see them being rewarded and even more so when children identify with on screen characters
This is a key feature of science having a unifying explanation to account for findings enhancing the validity of this research

Question 5

Unsupported conclusions

Answer 5

Another limitation is that this research area is plagued by unsupported conclusions.
There are several reasons why we should maintain a sense of balance. First many research studies are methodlogically weak. Even meta analyses are not perfect on the basis of GIGO if poor quality studies are included the analysis will also be poor quality. Secondly many studies are correlational studies lack external validity so findings cannot be generalised to the real world. Therefore some reachers may be guilty of drawing premature conclusions based on findings that lack validity