General Aggression Model (GAM): Key Concepts and Processes in Psychology

Q: What is the main aim of the General Aggression Model (GAM)?

A: To provide a broad framework for understanding aggression by integrating smaller theories (e.g., frustration-aggression hypothesis).

Q: Into what two main groups does the GAM separate aggression-related variables and processes?

A: Distal causes/processes and proximate causes/processes.

Q: What are distal causes and processes in GAM?

A: Personality-related factors influenced by biological modifiers (e.g., testosterone) and environmental modifiers (e.g., past experiences). They are stable and less likely to vary in the current situation.

Q: What are proximate causes and processes in GAM?

A: Variables and processes in the current situation that can rapidly change. They include inputs, routes, and outcomes.

Q: What does it mean that proximate causes are "loop-wise"?

A: The sequence of inputs → routes → outcomes is repeated, with each outcome influencing the next cycle's inputs.

Q: What are inputs in GAM?

A: Biological, environmental, psychological, and social factors that influence internal states and aggression likelihood.

Q: What two types of inputs does GAM distinguish?

A:

Person-related inputs: traits, sex, beliefs, attitudes, values, scripts, goals.

Situational inputs: aggressive cues, frustration, provocation, pain, incentives.

Q: What are routes in GAM?

A: An individual's internal states that mediate inputs' effects on outcomes:

1. Cognition (e.g., hostile thoughts, scripts)

2. Affect (e.g., moods, emotions)

3. Arousal

Q: What are outcomes in GAM?

A: The appraisal and decision process that determines whether a thoughtful action or an impulsive action is taken. Both may involve aggression.

Q: What is the immediate appraisal in GAM?

A: A quick assessment and interpretation of the current situation.

Q: What is re-appraisal in GAM?

A: A deeper analysis when the individual has enough resources (time, cognitive capacity) and finds the situation important and unsatisfying → leads to thoughtful action.

Q: When is an impulsive action more likely in GAM?

A: When resources are insufficient or the situation is not deemed important → immediate reaction without deeper analysis.

Q: How does the GAM explain the influence of actions on future behaviour?

A: Actions affect the social encounter and can modify input variables, and potentially even distal causes, shaping future aggression loops.