desensitisation

Cards (3)

P: Carnagey provided evidence for the claim that playing violent computer games produces physiological desensitisation
E: participants played either a violent or non violent game for 20 minutes and then watched a 10 minute film clip containing scenes of real life violence while their heart rate and skin conductance response were monitored. those who played the violent computer game had a lower heart rate and skin conductance while viewing the filmed real life violence
L: this demonstrated a physiological desensitisation to violence, as predicted by this explanation
P: desensitisation can be adaptive for individuals. for troops, desensitisation to the horrors of combat makes these individuals more effective in their role
E: desensitisation to violent stimuli may also be detrimental for both the individual and society. Bushman and anderson suggest that there are worrying consequences when individuals are desensitised to violence after exposure to violent media. they found violent media exposure can reduce helping behaviour that might be offered to others in distress
link for good and bad of desensitisation
L: this suggests that people exposed to media violence become numb to the pain and suffering of others and are consequently less helpful