social-psychological explanation of aggression

• social-psychological explanations


  -argue that aggression results from interactions between someone's characteristics & the environment

  -this is a dynamic interplay

  -this involves the frustration-aggression hypothesis; social learning theory, and de-individuation
• frustration-aggression hypothesis


  -Freud: aggression = innate, only way to reduce it is by engaging in an activity that releases it

  -Dollard et al (1939): based on psychodynamic explanation of catharsis

  -aggression is a catharsis release. If someone does not achieve a goal this can lead to frustration which leads to aggression

  -aggression cannot always be directed at the source of aggression (source can be too abstract, too powerful or unavailable)

  -there are 2 ego defence mechanisms used in the catharsis of aggression: sublimation - using aggression in acceptable activities e.g., sport; displacement - directing anger at someone/something else

  -don't achieve goal: frustration: aggressive drive: cathartic response (sublimation/displacement)
• Berkowitz (1969) on F-A hypothesis

  -frustration does not always cause people to be aggressive, it only happens in the presence of certain cues e.g., weapons

  -frustration: increases arousal: aggressive cue = more likely to be aggressive; no aggressive cue = less likely to be aggressive
• social learning theory


  -people become aggressive via imitating a role model

  -positively vicariously reinforced making it more likely that aggression will be displayed

  -all mediational processes need to happen for behaviour to be imitated

  -positive reinforcement; negative reinforcement; vicarious reinforcement; positive punishment; negative punishment; vicarious punishment

  -self-efficacy: a persons confidence in themselves to successful imitate the behaviour

  -supported by Bobo doll study
• de-individuation


  -people lose their individuality when they are in a group/crowd, this can make people more aggressive as they feel anonymous and are less aware of the consequences that come with being aggressive

  -aggression is not always inter-personal

  -Testinger (1952): in groups, we lose accountability (explains violence in prisons)

  -SIDE: social identity model of deindividuation effects

  -Gergen et al (1973): group of 8 strangers, do what they want for an hour, don't identify one another. Kissed intimately but, if they would meet after, did this less (shows change behaviour when deindividualised)

  -supported by Zimbardo's prison experiment
• AO3


  Strength(s):

  -deindividuation = research support: psychologists did a lab study with 3 conditions, in each condition ppts were wearing different clothes, ranging for a KKK outfit to their normal clothes. Were asked to give (fake) electric shocks. Found that when in KKK outfit, more electric shocks were given due to deindividualisation. Increases the validity.

  -RWA of frustration-aggression hypothesis: can release aggression through more acceptable methods e.g., sport. This explanation has use in informing management options of aggression.

  -SLT: Bobo doll support.

  
  

  Weakness(es):

  -reductionist - ignores the impact of biology e.g., the MAOA gene

  -SLT research support = culture bias (all in Bobo doll study = American, is ethnocentric & cannot be applied across cultures so limited explanation)