Module 78

I. The biology of aggression Aggression is physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally. While it is a learned behavior, there are biological aspects to aggression. There are genetic indicators, the Y chromosome, of aggressive behavior. There are areas of the brain that control aggression, including the amygdala, and the frontal lobes that control impulses. http://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/styles/ow_medium_feature/public/field/field_image_main/boys_fighting_main.jpg?itok=buz-Urco

I. The biology of aggression Testosterone increases aggression, and as those levels decrease with age, so does aggression in males. Alcohol increases aggression in those that are already susceptible to aggression when sober. People under the influence may interpret actions by others as aggressive and respond in kind. https://media.giphy.com/media/11tTNkNy1SdXGg/giphy.gif

II. Psychological and Socio-Cultural Factors Aversive stimuli – things we like to avoid – can cause aggression in people. This is the frustration-aggression principle. When we get frustrated at a situation, we become angry. People become aggressive when the temperature climbs, and that uncomfortableness causes people to lash out at others. We also learn from others that violence is a means of getting what we want. When that idea is reinforced, then it is perpetuated. https://media.giphy.com/media/TwfIKld8neeRO/giphy-downsized-large.gif

II. Psychological and Socio-Cultural Factors The first lessons learned about violence being modeled is in the home. How parents interact with their children will most likely be passed down to the next generation. Media portrayals of violence help to lessen its shock value, and teaches people how to act in certain situations. Music lyrics that glorify violence or highlighted mistreatment of others affects how the listeners interacted with others. https://www.thefix.com/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/angry-mother.jpg

II. Psychological and Socio-Cultural Factors Do violent video games increase aggression in players? There are many stories of people playing video games and then acting them out in real life. Studies have shown that it is not just naturally aggressive people that increase their aggression after playing those games. But other studies have shown a decrease in youth violence as video game sales increase. Overall, it seems that Western culture has become less violent over time. https://i.pinimg.com/736x/65/49/85/65498593b068c630ef6a0c3686c5e99c.jpg

In your notebooks Do you believe that violent video games increase aggressive behavior? Give two reasons that support your answer.