the effects of computers and video games Flashcards
what has video games been linked with?
aggression.
three methods of measuring the ink between video games and negative effects (aggression)
experimental studies
longitudinal studies
meta-analyses
psychologist who conducted an experimental study?
Anderson and Dill (2000): found that after students played a violent video game they gave longer
noise blasts to an opponent in another room. However, a problem with this study is that such noise
blasts are not a realistic reflection of aggressive behaviour, particularly because they were only brief
and not very loud.
Psychologist who conducted a longitudinal study
Anderson et al. (2007): survey found that children who played violent games were more aggressive.
evaluation ?
lab experiments - cannot measure ‘real life’ aggression
longitudinal studies solve the problems of lab experiments however PPTs. may be exposed to other forms of media violence.
support for negative effects of computers ?
Karpinski - link between lower grades among students and facebook use.
evaluation ? (computers)
karpinski accepts that study does not indicate casual relationship, personality factors could also be involved.
two ideas supported positive effects of video games ?
Helping behaviour - Greitmeyer and Osswald (2010): participants who played the prosocial game ‘Lemmings’ were more likely to display prosocial behaviour, specifically, helping the experimenter pick up pencils that were
accidentally dropped.
-multi-player games and social commitment - Lenhart et al. (2008): individuals who played multiplayer action games engaged in more civic
prosocial behaviours e.g. being loyal to others,
evaluation ?
grreitmeyer and Osswald suggest that video game industries less likely to produce altruistic games as they are less likely to sell.
-been used in the treatment of post traumatic stress.
support for the positive effects of computers ?
Gonnzales and Hancock- facebook walls can have a positive effect on self esteem.
evaluation ?
The hyperpersonal model proposed by Walther explains the link between facebook use and positive self esteem.
