Week 1: Aggression Definition & Measurement

Question 1

Define aggression (Baron & Richardson)

Answer 1

Any form of behaviour intended to harm or injure another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment

Question 2

What are the 3 important implications of Baron & Richardson’s definition of aggression?

Answer 2

1. Aggressive behaviour is characterized by its underlying motivation
2. The actor must anticipate that a specific action will produce a harmful outcome
3. Actions that may cause harm but are performed with the target’s consent is not defined as aggression

Question 3

Antisocial behaviour

Answer 3

The violation of social norms

Question 4

Antisocial behaviour is considered a ____________ concept than aggression because it also includes behaviours that are not intended to harm others

Answer 4

broader

Question 5

Violence

Answer 5

The use or threat of physical force

Question 6

Violence is considered a more _____________ concept than aggression because not all instances of aggression involve violence but all instances of violence qualify as aggression

Answer 6

narrow

Question 7

Naturalistic fallacy

Answer 7

Just because it is natural and has evolved (i.e., aggression) does not mean it

Question 8

What are the 9 aspects of aggression?

Answer 8

1. Modality
2. Immediacy
3. Quality
4. Visibility
5. Instigation
6. Goal direction
7. Harm type
8. Duration
9. Social units

Question 9

What are the 4 different modality types for aggression

Answer 9

1. Physical
2. Verbal
3. Postural (gestures)
4. Relational (social in nature - gossip)

Question 10

What are the 2 different immediacy types for aggression?

Answer 10

1. Direct - effect occurs now
2. Indirect - effect occurs later

Question 11

What are the 2 different quality types for aggression?

Answer 11

1. Active (i.e., punching, insulting)
2. Passive (i.e., withholding communication or information)

Question 12

What are the 2 different visibility types for aggression?

Answer 12

1. Overt (i.e., insults/assaults in front of people)
2. Covert (i.e., anonymous threats/insults)

Question 13

What are the 2 different types of instigation for aggression?

Answer 13

1. Proactive (unprovoked)
2. Reactive (provoked)

Question 14

What are the 2 different types of goal direction for aggression?

Answer 14

1. Hostile
   - emotionally driven
   - no clear purpose other than harm
   - i.e., road rage
2. Instrumental
   - goal driven

Question 15

What are the 2 different types of harm for aggression?

Answer 15

1. Physical
2. Psychological/affective

Question 16

What are the 2 different types of duration for aggression?

Answer 16

1. Transient
2. Lasting

Question 17

What are the 2 different types of social units for aggression?

Answer 17

1. Individuals (i.e., dyad)
2. Groups/societies (i.e., riots/ wars)