Video Games Flashcards
What are the negative effects of video games?
may cause aggressive behaviour, may damage social relationships
What was the procedure and results of Anderson and Dill’s 2000 first study into the effect of video games on aggressive behaviour?
lab compare Wolfenstein (killing) and Myst (strategy), 210 psych undergrads, played twice then once week later, then played game where opponent blasted with ‘white noise’, those in violent condition gave longer white noise and scored higher on Aggression accessibility index (how quick to respond to aggressive and control words)
What was the procedure and results of Anderson and Dill’s 2000 second study into the effect of video games on aggressive behaviour?
227 psych undergrads, questionnaire on trait aggression and delinquency, and on 5 favourite games: how often and violent content, x scores = exposure to video violence score: correlated with aggression and delinquency
What do the researchers say about the longer term affects of video games on violent behaviour in the second study?
longer lasting effects because violent games content teaches aggressive attitudes = personality changes
What research on the brain shows supporting evidence for video games causing aggressive behaviour?
Weber 2006: male Pps in fMRI playing violent video game, part of brain used to generate empathy less active during play: suggests desensitisation due to video games
Who conducted research on video games negative influence on social relationships?
Padilla Walker 2009: 813 uni students survey, amount of video time up = quality of relationships with parents/peers down
What are the issues with the Padilla Walker study?
only association, the direct effect unclear (may turn to games if relationships going bad), study may be outdated due to internet usage surge
What theory is proposed by Valkenburg and Peter relating to computers and social relations?
internet-enhanced self-disclosure hypothesis: shy, self conscious teens will find it easier to say things about themselves online (less worried about appearance/social status), self disclosure contributes to relationship formation
What are the 2 positive effects of video games?
pro social games cause PSB, active games like Wii may encourage physical activity
Who conducted an experiment to evaluate the relationship between video games play and PSB?
Whitaker and Bushman 2011: 116 students, violent, neutral or relaxing game for 20mins, mood questionnaire, said study was over but asked for help sharpening pencils: most done by relaxed condition, also happier
What issues are there with Whitaker and Bushman’s study?
pencil sharpening not bet example of PSB (low effort), only one demographic used: students = ungeneralisable
What other study shows support for the positive effect of videos games on behaviour?
Gentile 2009: 2000 Japanese 10-17yrs, 2 questionnaires (each twice 3-4m gap between) how often played video games with 2 types of pro social scene and how often helpful behaviour done, strong correlation
What evaluative points can be made about the Gentile study?
relied on self report: lying, social desirability, several questionnaires = reliable, likert scale = subjectivity, low ecological: all Japan, collectivistic
Who conducted research into video games and physical activity?
Mellecker 2008: compared heart rate and calorie expenditure in children while playing different games, 98% more in active bowling, 451% more in active running game
