3.4.7 Effect of Video Games

• Experimental Studies = research that uses a manipulation of one or more variables to test a hypothesis.
• Experimental Studies : Bartholow & Anderson (2002)

  • Violent computer game (Mortal Kombat) for 10 minutes = higher levels of aggression vs non-violent games (PGA Tournament Golf)
  • Assessed using the TCRTT.
  • MK video gamers blasted significatly higher mean decibel of white noise ( 5.97 vs 4.60)
• Evaluation of Experimental Studies/Bartholow & Anderson

  • Strength = Strong causal link between games & aggression
  • Weakness = TCRTT used; artificial task, low ecological validity
• Taylor Competitive Reaction Time Task (TCRTT) = measures how much noise is selected; ethically measures aggression
• Correlational Studies = studies that examine the relationship between two or more variables.
• Correlational Studies : DeLisi et al (2013)

  • Strong positive correlation between increasing number of aggressive behaviours & an increasing time playing violent video games as well as enjoyment
  • Used structured interviews on juvenile offenders
  • Conclusion = aggression should be treated as an epidemical health concern.
• Evaluation of Correlational Studies : DeLisi et al

  • Strength = allows us to investigate realistic forms of aggression
  • Weakness = unable to draw cause & effect relationships, because no variables have been controlled/no random allocation of Ps
• Longitudinal Studies = study of the same group of people over time, to see how their lives change
• Longitudinal Stuies : Robertson et al (2013)

  • Measured TV viewing hours of people born in New Zealand in regular intervals until age 26
  • Watched most TV = more likely to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder & aggressive behaviour
  • How much TV watched may be more important than if the content is violent or not
• Evaluation of Longitudinal Studies : Robertson et al

  • Strength = presents a more realistic representation of how people interact with media (active not passive)
  • Weakness = vulnerable to confounding variables
• Meta-Analysis = statistical analysis of multiple studies to determine the extent to which the findings of the studies are consistent
• Meta-Analysis : Anderson et al (2010)

  • 136 studies
  • Strong positive correlation between exposure to aggressive media & displaying aggressive behaviours
  • True for both genders
  • True for both collectivist & individualist cultures
• Evaluation of Meta-analysis Studies : Anderson et al

  • Strength = wider sample/range increase validity; showed no signs of weakness
  • Weakness = publication bias/file drawer problem posting significant results only