Media Influences On Prosocial Behaviour Flashcards
An explanation includes acquisition of prosocial behaviours and norms: according to SLT we learn by observing and imitating others, and the consequence of our behaviour determines the likelihood of us repeating them…(AO1)
We’re more likely to be rewarded for imitating prosocial acts than for antisocial acts, therefore we are more likely to imitate prosocial acts (AO1)
An explanation includes exposure to prosocial behaviour
- Greenberg analysed…and found…(AO1)
Analysed popular children’s programmes in the US and found an equivalent number of prosocial and antisocial acts in any hour (AO1)
An explanation considers developmental factors:
Research suggests that many of the skills that are synonymous with prosocial behaviour develop throughout childhood and into adolescence, thus…(AO1)
Younger children may be less affected by prosocial portrayals in the media than older children (AO1)
An explanation includes parental mediation. This suggests that…(AO1)
The parent discussing the programme with the child, explaining any ambiguous or disturbing material and following up the concepts presented in the programme is effective mediation (AO1)
Mares examined research considering four main behavioural effects of prosocial TV. These are…(AO1)
Altruism, self control, positive interaction and anti stereotyping (AO1)
Evaluation of exposure to prosocial behaviour:
- Woodard (1997) found…
77% of US programmes surveyed had at least one prosocial message. However, only four of the top 20 most watched programmes for under-17’s had any prosocial lessons
Evaluation of acquisition of prosocial behaviours and norms:
A study by Mares and Woodard showed that…
Children were more affected when shown exact steps for positive behaviour. This may be be as they remember concrete acts better than abstract ones
Evaluation of acquisition of prosocial behaviour and norms: Learning norms (rather than specific behaviour) from the media is less common, except possibly when it is accompanied by discussions. E.g. In Johnston and Ettema's study...
The largest effects were found when the programme was viewed in class and then accompanied by teacher-led discussions
Evaluation of acquisition of prosocial behaviour and norms:
However, Rubenstein and Spraflin, in a study of adolescents hospitalised with psychiatric problems found that…
Post-viewing discussion led to decreased altruism. Possibly because adolescents tend to take up a view counter to that held by adults
Evaluation of developmental factors:
A meta analysis (Mares) found that…
The weakest effect of prosocial programming was for adolescents and the strongest effect was for primary school children
