Desensitisation

• What is a strength of desensitisation as an explanation for violent behavior?


  There is research support for it.
• What did Carnagey et al. (2007) study in their research?


  They studied the effects of playing violent versus non-violent video games on physiological arousal.
• How long did participants play video games in Carnagey et al.'s study?


  20 minutes
• What physiological measures were monitored in Carnagey et al.'s study?


  Heart rate and skin conductance response
• What was the outcome for participants who played violent video games while viewing real-life violence?


  They had a lower heart rate and skin conductance response.
• Why is the finding of lower physiological arousal significant in the context of desensitisation?


  It provides evidence that exposure to violent video games leads to desensitisation to real-life violence.
• What conclusion can be drawn from Carnagey et al.'s study regarding desensitisation?


  It supports the claim that playing violent computer games produces physiological desensitisation.
• What does the term "reliable" refer to in the context of the study's findings?


  It indicates that the findings are consistent and can be trusted.
• What is a weakness of the research supporting desensitisation?


  Studies mainly use lab experiments which cannot measure 'real life' aggression.
• Who conducted a lab experiment related to desensitisation?

  Anderson and Dill
• What did Anderson and Dill find after participants played violent video games?


  Participants blasted opponents with white noise for longer and rated themselves higher on a hostility scale.
• Why did participants rate themselves higher on the hostility scale according to Anderson and Dill's study?


  This was due to desensitisation from repeated exposure to violence.
• What is a limitation of self-report methods in studies of desensitisation?


  They may have no connection to real-life aggression.
• What types of aggressive behavior were measured in some studies mentioned in the material?


  Noise blasts and hot chilli sauce administered to another participant.
• What conclusion can be drawn about the studies mentioned in the material regarding their validity?


  Studies lack external validity.