A level psychology

• What is a strength of cognitive priming as an explanation for media-related aggression?


  There is research support for it.
• What did Bushman (1998) study in relation to cognitive priming?


  He studied the effects of watching violent versus non-violent films on reaction times to aggressive words.
• What were the two films participants watched in Bushman's study?

  Participants watched either "Karate Kid III" or "Gorillas in the Mist."
• What was the outcome for participants who watched the violent film in Bushman's study?


  They had quicker reaction times to aggressive words than those who watched the non-violent film.
• Why do the findings of Bushman's study matter in the context of cognitive priming?


  • They provide support for the cognitive priming explanation for media-related aggression.
  • Scenes of violence in media prime aggressive thoughts in memory.
  • This makes aggressive thoughts more accessible to viewers.
• What conclusion can be drawn about cognitive priming based on Bushman's findings?


  Cognitive priming is considered reliable.