Media influences: Effects of computing games

AO1

Media psychologists use experimental studies (lab, short-term), correlational studies (real-life) and longitudinal studies. Meta-analysis brings them together to give an overall judgement.

Experimental studies: Bartholow and Anderson studied students playing a violent (mortal combat) or non-violent (PGA tournament golf) computer games for 10 minutes. They then did the Taylor Competitive Reaction Time Task (TCRTT) which measures aggression as they blast white noist at (non existent) opponent. Those that played the violent game gave significantly higher noise levels (mean of 5.97 decibels) compared to non violent players (4.60). 

Correlational studies: DeLisi studied 227 juveniles that had histories of aggression. Unstructured interviews gathered data about measures of aggression and violent computer game-playing. They found a correlation between aggression and how often they played games and how much they enjoyed it. They argue that it is so well-established that these aggression is a public health issue and violent computer games are a risk factor.

Longitudinal studies: Robertson wanted to see link between excessive tv viewing in children and aggression is adult life. They studied 1037 people born in New Zealand in 1972 and 1973 and measured their tv watching hours at regular intervals up until age 26. Aggression was measured in terms of convictions for violent and aggressive crimes. Those who watched more tv were more likely to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder whcih included aggressive traits…