media influences on aggression Flashcards
What is cognitive priming in relation to media aggression?
Cognitive priming suggests that exposure to violent media creates mental scripts for aggression, which are stored in memory and later triggered in real-life situations.
How does cognitive priming influence aggressive behavior?
When faced with an ambiguous or hostile situation, individuals are more likely to interpret it aggressively and respond with aggression based on their stored cognitive scripts.
What research supports cognitive priming?
Fischer & Greitemeyer found that participants who listened to violent song lyrics showed increased aggressive thoughts and behavior compared to those who listened to neutral lyrics.
What is a limitation of cognitive priming as an explanation for aggression?
Most studies focus on short-term effects rather than long-term behavioral changes, making it unclear whether the aggression persists over time.
What is desensitization in relation to media aggression?
Desensitization refers to the process by which repeated exposure to violent media reduces an individual’s emotional and physiological response to aggression.
How does desensitization increase aggression?
Since individuals become less sensitive to violence, they may perceive aggression as more acceptable and feel less guilt or empathy for victims, increasing the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
What research supports desensitization?
Krahé et al. (2011) found that habitual consumers of violent media showed lower physiological arousal when watching violent clips compared to non-habitual viewers.
What are individual differences in desensitization?
Some people may be naturally more empathetic or have strong moral values, preventing them from becoming desensitized to aggression.
What real-world applications does desensitization have?
It supports the need for media regulation, such as age restrictions and parental advisory warnings, to limit children’s exposure to violent content.
What is disinhibition in relation to media aggression?
Disinhibition suggests that exposure to violent media weakens social constraints on aggression, making individuals more likely to act aggressively.
How does anonymity contribute to disinhibition?
Online gaming provides anonymity, which reduces accountability and encourages aggressive behavior since there are no real-world consequences.
What role does social learning play in disinhibition?
According to Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, individuals may imitate aggressive behaviors seen in media, especially when they are rewarded or justified.
What research supports disinhibition?
Berkowitz & Alioto (1973) found that participants who watched a film where aggression was justified were more likely to deliver stronger electric shocks in a lab task.
What is a limitation of disinhibition?
Not everyone who consumes violent media becomes aggressive, suggesting that personality traits like impulsivity or low empathy may influence the effects.
What is cognitive priming’s real-world application?
Understanding cognitive priming has led to policies limiting children’s exposure to violent media to reduce the development of aggressive scripts.
What is an alternative explanation to desensitization?
The catharsis hypothesis suggests that violent media allows individuals to release aggressive impulses in a controlled environment, reducing real-world aggression.
What is a key strength of research on computer games and aggression?
Studies like Bartholow & Anderson (2002) found that participants who played violent games were more likely to select higher levels of noise punishment for opponents.
What is a key weakness of research on computer games and aggression?
Much of the research is correlational, making it difficult to establish whether violent games cause aggression or if naturally aggressive individuals are drawn to them.
What is an alternative explanation to violent games causing aggression?
The selection hypothesis suggests that aggressive individuals are more likely to choose violent games rather than games making them aggressive.
What individual differences influence the effects of violent media?
Factors such as impulsivity, pre-existing aggression levels, family environment, and mental health can determine whether violent media increases aggression.
