Media Influences on Aggression:

Excessive TV viewing has been linked to aggression

Robertson (2013) found that number of hours watching TV in childhood was associated with amount of adult convictions for aggressive and violent crimes. Also, reduced social interaction and poorer educational achievement.

Violent film content is the most direct media influence on aggression

Through operant conditioning and vicarious reinforcement. Bandura’s (1963) second Bobo Doll study found that children imitated an adult model’s aggression even when shown on a screen.

TV/film effects on aggression may not be very strong

Although studies have found significant positive correlations between TV violence and antisocial behaviour, this only accounts for 1-10% influence on children’s aggressive behaviour compared to other sources.

Computer games may have a more powerful effect on aggression

In gaming, the player is more active than the passive TV viewers.

Also, in gaming the play is directly rewarding (operant conditioning) whereas TV viewing rewards are indirect.

Methods of studying the effects of computer gaming

Can be studied in laboratory conditions often using blasts of white noise to indicate aggression. Correlational studies and meta analyses are also used.

Matthews et al, 2006 : Functioning of Amygdala and pre-frontal cortex due to aggressive gaming.

Procedure:

• Random allocation of 44 adolescent pps to (1) violent video game (Medal of Honor) or (2) non-violent video game (The Need for Speed)

• fMRI scans taken to see immediate measurement of brain function after playing these games.

Findings:

• violent condition (compared to non-violent condition) increased activity in amygdala (increased emotions) decreased activity in pre-frontal cortex (inhibitions, self-control and concentration)

A03: Bandura’s (1963) Second Bobo Doll Study

The children were shown the adult (male) role model modelling the aggression via film clips shown on a screen.

The children still imitated the aggressive behaviour from the screen (including the novel aggressive language, and the aggressive behaviours).

(the only reduction in aggression was caused by the vicarious punishment of the model).

Charlton’s (2000) St Helena study can challenge these results; the children did not imitate new role models from their TVs.

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