Media influences on aggression

Start with the mind maps

The mind maps offer different routes into media influences on aggression. Media Influences on Aggression includes a map on computer games, with points about desensitization and reinforcement during play. Another map with the same title looks at violent films and television, including findings from experiments, natural experiments and longitudinal studies.

Begin with the games map if you want to explore that example. Then look at the map on films and television to compare how different kinds of studies report their findings. The maps provide short points you can use as prompts for further study.

Practice concepts and research

The flashcards cover desensitization, disinhibition and cognitive priming. They also include questions about research on film violence and on games. Use the questions to practice recalling aims, procedures and results, then check the related mind maps for context.

A separate mind map focuses on disinhibition and describes it as a weakening of constraints that help people avoid aggression. You can use it alongside the flashcards to compare a short definition with questions about the concept.

Use the quiz with the maps

The quiz on television and video games asks about the limbic system, the amygdala and hormones. A mind map on television, games and young people's behavior also mentions the limbic system and the amygdala. Look at that map before taking the quiz, or return to it afterward to review the terms in the questions.

This topic is one section of Aggression in Psychology. The resources bring together concepts, media examples and research questions within that section. Choose a map to explore, then use a flashcard deck or the quiz for practice.