Explanations/Studies:
-Anderson et al (2007)
report powerful effects
on agression for violent
video games. -Gentile et
al (2004) amount of
video game play did not
correlate with
arguments or physical
fights. -Violent video
game play associatedd
with decreased activity
in anterior cingulate
cortex (ACC)
Evaluation: -underestimated
claims, evidence far from
conclusive. -weak data. - can they
be cathartic? Remains a possibility
-validity of knowledge, evidence of
a publication bias in research in
this area.
Prosocial Influences
Explanations: -The
pervasiveness of
television. -Exposure
to prosocial messages
clearly evident. -Social
learning theory.
-Developmental
trends in prosocial
influence.
Research: -Mares (1996)
gave evidence for influence
on positive interaction,
alteruism, self-control and
anit-stereotyping. -More
consistent effects found
for girls then boys. -Effects
stronger among higher
socio-economic groups.
Evaluation: -Children
studies cant easily be
generalised.
-Prosocial messages
more subtle than
antisocial themes.
-Greater effect on
young children,
contrary to
development trends.
Antisocial Influences
Explanations: -Observational
learning- imitation (bobo doll
studies), but little research
suppourt for this. -Demand
Characteristicsand artificial
setting. -Cognitive priming.
-Desensitization
Research: -Some
studies suggest a sleep
effect for media
influence.- Resesarch
suggests that children
are 'media literate'.
Evaluation: -inconclusive case
for media effects. -The nature
of the audience (hagell &
Newburn). -Methodogogical
problems (lab and naturalistic
problems. -Studies lack
external validity.