Media influences on aggression Flashcards
What is desensitisation in the context of media influences on aggression
Repeated exposure to violent media reduces physiological arousal to violence leading to diminished emotional responses and increased acceptance of aggressive behaviour
What evidence supports desensitisation as an explanation for aggression
Bushman and Anderson found that participants who played violent video games showed lower physiological arousal when exposed to real-life violence compared to those who played non-violent games
What is a key criticism of desensitisation as an explanation for aggression
Not all individuals become desensitised as personality factors and upbringing influence responses to violent media
What is disinhibition in the context of media influences on aggression
Exposure to violent media weakens social norms that inhibit aggression making aggressive behaviour appear more socially acceptable
What evidence supports disinhibition as an explanation for aggression
Berkowitz and Alioto found that participants who watched a violent film were more willing to administer electric shocks to a confederate compared to those who watched a non-violent film
What is a key criticism of disinhibition as an explanation for aggression
Short-term effects may not translate into long-term behavioural changes as situational factors influence real-world aggression
What is cognitive priming in the context of media influences on aggression
Exposure to violent media activates aggression-related thoughts and memories making aggressive responses more accessible
What evidence supports cognitive priming as an explanation for aggression
Josephson found that boys who watched a violent film featuring a walkie-talkie were more aggressive in a subsequent hockey game when a referee used a walkie-talkie
What is a key criticism of cognitive priming as an explanation for aggression
Priming effects depend on individual differences such as existing aggressive tendencies and cognitive biases
What did Paik and Comstock find in their study on media violence and aggression
Meta-analysis found a positive correlation between exposure to violent media and aggressive behaviour with stronger effects in children
What is a key strength of Paik and Comstock’s study
Large sample size increases reliability and generalisability of findings
What is a key limitation of Paik and Comstock’s study
Correlation does not imply causation as other factors such as family environment and personality may contribute to aggression
