Ch 11: Aggression Part 1: Apr. 12, 2012
Aggression Definitions Physical or verbal behavior intended to harm Distinguish between: emotional aggression instrumental aggression
Aggression Theories: Biology Biological foundations of aggression – is it human nature? Freud and others – needed to redirect our energy What is catharsis? How does this theory hold up?
Testosterone (male sex hormone) also has influence Gender differences – Animal vs. human research - Boys/girls express aggression differently Feelings of anger - Gender differences in direct aggression? Indirect aggression? Reactions to unclear situations -
Aggression and Social Learning Is it a learned social behavior? Bandura Learn aggression through observing others. Bobo doll experiment example… What was the method? What were the results?
TV and Violence George Gerbner’s 30 year study of violence in movies/TV. Stats on daily TV use - Stats on # violent acts per hour on TV – Effect on behavior & beliefs? Bushman & Eron’s longitudinal research –
Gerbner’s research: “Mean World Syndrome” “Happy Violence” Contrast with actual crime rates – “Happy Violence”
Aggression as reaction to frustration… Oldest theory – frustration (having a goal blocked) leads to some form of aggression. Aggression gets displaced to other sources Mixed lab results – what are they? Berkowitz – revision of theory: to what?
Aggression Triggers – Situational Influences Pain Heat – evidence from MLB pitchers Crowding Alcohol