Question 1

Research on the effects of violent videogames on aggression demonstrates that the effects of such games on aggression are

Accepted Answer

Research has demonstrated a significant and causal relationship between playing violent videogames and increased aggression, even after accounting for individual differences and other factors that could contribute to aggression.

Question 2

Researchers measured the physiological arousal of heavy TV viewers and light TV viewers when they came into the lab to watch a violent boxing match. Results of their study reveal that

Accepted Answer

The study found that heavy TV viewers were less physiologically aroused by the violent boxing match, which suggests that they may be desensitized to violence due to their frequent exposure to it through television.

Question 3

Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the results of correlational research demonstrating the connection between viewing television violence and subsequent acts of aggression?

Accepted Answer

The correlational research shows a connection between viewing TV violence and subsequent acts of aggression, suggesting that some people, both adults and youths, are influenced to imitate violent acts seen on television. This conclusion is best supported by the available evidence. Options A and C may be partially true, but the available evidence suggests that this effect may continue into adulthood and cannot be fully explained by more aggressive people being more likely to watch violent TV. Option D does not accurately reflect the available evidence.

Question 4

Social-psychological research has revealed that viewers of a great deal of television come to view the world as a dangerous and hostile place. If Terry is one such person, what is he likely to think when he watches a violent cops-and-robbers show?

Accepted Answer

Terry, as a viewer who perceives the world as dangerous and hostile, is likely to project that mindset onto the show and interpret the actions of the robbers as a direct threat to his safety. Therefore, he is likely to think "I had better get him before he gets me!"

Question 5

Which of the following is true about whether or not punishing aggression reduced aggressive behavior?

Accepted Answer

Using aggression to punish aggressive behavior can actually model aggression and inspire imitation, which can increase the occurrence of aggressive behavior. Research has also shown that punishment alone is not effective in reducing aggressive behavior in the long term. Therefore, option A and C are not entirely accurate. Option D is false, as punishment may have short-term effects on reducing aggressive behavior.

Question 6

When children were randomly assigned to watch either a violent film or an exciting film about bicycle racing and then played floor hockey (Josephson, 1987), children who

Accepted Answer

The study found that children who were aggressive to begin with and watched the violent film were the most aggressive. This suggests that the violent film had a stronger impact on already aggressive children.

Question 7

In a survey of high school students, nearly half of the students surveyed believed that when a woman says "No" to a sexual advance, she doesn't really mean it. These findings provide support for the power of ________ to influence attitudes toward sexual aggression.

Accepted Answer

Sexual scripts are socially learned cognitive models that guide sexual behavior and shape our attitudes toward sexuality. These scripts can include beliefs about gender roles, power dynamics, and consent. The finding that nearly half of high school students believe that a woman saying "No" to a sexual advance doesn't really mean it suggests that some of these students may have learned a script that minimizes the importance of consent and prioritizes male sexual pleasure over female autonomy. This highlights the power of sexual scripts in shaping attitudes toward sexual aggression.

Question 8

A steady diet of violent television fare can encourage aggression in children who are consequently ________ respond aggressively in real life.

Accepted Answer

The word "primed" means to prepare or stimulate someone for a particular action or situation. In this context, a steady diet of violent television fare prepares or stimulates children to respond aggressively in real life.

Question 9

You are marketing a department store. Based on results of research about people's memory for products and services advertised during different types of television programs, which program should you direct your advertising dollars to?

Accepted Answer

Based on the information given, advertising during a neutral show like Candid Camera would be the best choice as it would be less likely to distract from the memory of the products and services being advertised. Advertising during shows with violent or sexually explicit themes may be too distracting for viewers to remember the products being advertised.

Question 10

Teresa watches a lot of TV every day. Based on research presented in your text, how is Teresa most likely to view the world?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that exposure to negative news and media can lead to increased fear and anxiety about the world, causing individuals to overestimate the chances of being attacked or experiencing negative events. If Teresa is watching a lot of TV, especially news programs or crime dramas, she may be more likely to have an overly fearful perspective.

Question 11

A person with which trait would you warn a friend about dating because it is characteristic of sexually aggressive males?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic individuals tend to prioritize their own needs and desires above those of others, including their romantic partners. This can lead to a lack of concern for the partner's feelings and boundaries, which can manifest as sexually aggressive behavior. Therefore, it is important to warn a friend about dating someone with this trait.

Question 12

Which of the following is false?

Accepted Answer

Watching television violence is more likely to weaken inhibitions against violent behavior, not strengthen them.

Question 13

Which of the following is not a viable explanation for why watching violence on television is correlated with aggressive behavior, according to social-psychological research?

Accepted Answer

According to social-psychological research, catharsis theory, which suggests that watching violent programming allows individuals to release their aggressive impulses, has been largely debunked. The other three options are all viable explanations supported by research.

Question 14

Research demonstrates that, when viewing television programs, people are ________ likely to remember products that have been advertised during programs that are ________.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that people are less likely to remember products advertised during programs that are violent or sexually explicit. Instead, they are more likely to remember products advertised during neutral programs.

Question 15

According to research presented in the chapter, what do exposure to media violence and guns have in common in terms of aggression?

Accepted Answer

According to research presented in the chapter, both exposure to media violence and guns prime aggressive tendencies. This means that both can increase the likelihood of someone behaving aggressively, even if they have not previously shown such tendencies.

Question 16

Social-psychological research has revealed that viewers often learn the particulars of how to aggress when they watch violent television. If Andy is one such person, what is he likely to think when he watches a violent cops-and-robbers show?

Accepted Answer

Social-psychological research suggests that viewers often learn the particulars of how to aggress when they watch violent television. Therefore, if Andy is one such person, he is likely to think, "So that's how it's done," when he watches a violent cops-and-robbers show. This implies that he may learn specific techniques of aggression from the show. Option A and C are also plausible but do not specifically refer to Andy's learning of aggression from the show. Option D suggests that Andy is not affected by the show, which may not be accurate according to social-psychological research.

Question 17

Watching media violence a single time is ________ to cause nonaggressive children to become violent, but long-term exposure seems to ________ aggression in most children.

Accepted Answer

Watching media violence a single time is unlikely to cause nonaggressive children to become violent, but long-term exposure seems to increase aggression in most children.

Question 18

Social-psychological research has revealed that exposure to televised violence might weaken viewers' inhibitions about using violence in their own lives. If Peter is one such person, what is he likely to think when he watches a violent cops-and-robbers show?

Accepted Answer

According to the information provided, exposure to televised violence weakens viewers' inhibitions about using violence in their own lives. Therefore, Peter is likely to think that if the characters in the show can get away with violence, he can too. Choice A is the most appropriate answer.

Question 19

Jim watches a heavy dose of violent TV cop shows. According to research presented in the text, what is one likely outcome of this behavior? Jim will

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that heavy exposure to violent media can lead to desensitization towards real-life violence, making individuals like Jim more indifferent when they encounter violence in their surroundings.

Question 20

"It's the male's role to persist in his sexual advances, and the woman's role to set limits." The preceding statement is an example of a sexual

Accepted Answer

The statement is an example of a sexual script, which refers to societal norms and expectations about how individuals should behave in sexual or romantic situations.

Quiz 12: Aggression: Why Do We Hurt Other People Can We Prevent It