Social Psychology - Assignment Example

Social psychology week 8 Assignment Despite the presence of a legislation which is formulated to protect minors from the harmful impacts of media violence as potential cause of aggression, there is still the overwhelming and ever present easy access to television programs, and video games. Therefore by simply prohibiting access will not do the job in fact it is imperative that interventions are undertaken in order to promote the media competency of children and teenagers; so as to teach to them to regulate and supervise their media usage, particularly regarding violent content. These interventions need to have to basic rules; restricted viewing, referring to a reduce in media exposure and the replacement of violent content. Second being that of critical viewing in terms of advertising a reduction in the concept of media violence, the implications that it has on users and the mechanisms through which it is depicted as acceptable and removed from negative inference (Anderson et al, 2003). One of the actions that can be undertaken to overcome media violence exposure that can be deemed harmful is by individual monitoring of one’s media usage habits. This can be done by a person if he keeps a diary for about a week that lists a record of the duration and program content viewed by the person. The aim of this is to create an awareness of the dominating aspect of one’s viewing media in their everyday lives and this recognition being the first step towards realizing the presence of a problematic use. Then what one can do is draw a line between the unproblematic entertainment and the one that is risky with unwanted aggression increasing effect. A social measure can be that which incorporates active rehearsal of gained knowledge by having a group session in which they discuss the negative implications of media violence and exposure and the way that it results in an increase in aggression in behavior, thoughts, actions and feelings; the basic aim being to negate the underlying mechanisms, which make favorable the viewing of aggressive content more acceptable, accessible and pleasurable (Cantor & Wilson, 2003). References Anderson, C. A., Berkowitz, L., Donnerstein, E., Huesmann, L. R., Johnson, J. D., Linz, D., Malamuth, N. M., & Wartella, E. (2003). The influence of media violence on youth. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 4, 81-110. Cantor, J. & Wilson, B.J. (2003). Media and violence: Intervention strategies for reducing aggression. Media Psychology, 5, 363-403. Assignment 2 During my research I came across a research that was relevant to the discussed topic of aggression. It talked about how there was an increased amount of aggression was found in children who were more fearless and showed less empathy. The study was conducted on a sample of preschool-aged children at the University of Haifa’s Faculty of Education. Dr. Baron reported based on the results of this study that fearless behavior in children is highly link to neurological and genetic predisposition. The objective of the study was to determine whether fearless actions in children between the ages of 3 and 4 was related to psychological and social-emotional elements and was there a correlation of their behavior with the kind of parenting that they receive. The sample comprised of 80 children between the ages of 3 and 4, their parents and preschool teachers. The data was gathered through reports given by the parents and teachers and direct observation of the children’s behavior at their preschool locations and labs. The study looked at their tendency to be daring and other emotional distinctiveness at the start of the year and at its end, in order to look at the consistency of this tendency. The findings show that children who were more fearless their heart beats were slow to start. Also their facial expressions of fear were difficultly portrayed while other emotions like anger and sadness they found easy to identify. These children also showed a much higher level of aggression and tendency to be anti social. References University of Haifa (2010, November 13). Fearless children show less empathy, more aggression, research finds. ScienceDaily. Assignment 3 Domestic violence and abuse is a type of aggression that is prevalent at home. They key dictating characteristic of domestic violence is that whether it is overt or covert, it is still all about control. This type of aggression is mainly primordial and immature; it is a reaction of the abuser to a sense of loss of control and helplessness. The difference between covert and overt domestic abuse is simple. Covert abuse is slyer and has to do with the creation of an atmosphere of intimidation created by the abuser to retain control over the victim. While covert abuse requires long term observation overt abuse is easy to identify and is physical in nature. There are many types of domestic abuse which are common in a lot of households. These could be physical abuse, emotional or verbal abuse, sexual abuse and monetary abuse. Some categories of aggression that takes place at home are; Ambient abuse which has to do with residing in an atmosphere of terror, bullying and unpredictability. It is through the creation of this atmosphere that the abuser can avoid any kind of physical violence but maintaining control of the residents by the use of threats. Then there is disproportionate abuse in which the abuser reacts very violently if slightly upset. This kind of disproportionate rage results in aggression being shown through throwing things, slamming doors, yelling etc. Objectification is another kind of domestic abuse in which the abuser lacks empathy and hence treats household individuals like inane objects and toys with them. This kind of abuse comprises of physical, psychological and verbal abuse which dehumanizes and objectifies the victims. Then there is abuse by proxy, when the abuser makes use of friend, neighbors and other individuals to threaten or harass or manipulate an individual. Then, briefly describe the theories that might best explain the types of aggression found in the setting you chose, applying the theories to specific examples. Include the social, cultural, personal, and situational factors that might contribute to the aggression. The feminist theory and domestic violence is one that focuses on the gender and power disparity that is found in opposite sex relationships. It hinges on the social messages that permit a man to use violence and aggression during the course of his life, as well as the specified gender position that dictates how men and women should behave in their personal relationships (Pence & Peymar, 1993). It views the core reasons for domestic violence as the result of living in a society that pardons aggressive behavior perpetrated by men, while dictating that women be non violent. According to the social learning theory aggression and violence are a common occurrence in families that view violent television which exacerbate their already present aggressive responses. Also, viewing aggressive media diminishes the families’ ability to be emotionally affected by violent images, making the onset of aggression a common norm in the family (Aronson, Wilson & Akert, 2005). Finally, propose at least three strategies or interventions that might best prevent or control aggression in this setting, and state how reducing aggression in this setting may impact aggressive behavior in the other two settings. Interventions that can aid in the prevention and control of the onset of domestic violence would be firstly through promotion of a domestic violence awareness movement. Only when individuals are aware of the grave implications and the consequences domestic violence has on family life and the community at large will the issue stay critical and important. Also by encouraging communities to come up with helpful domestic violence centers which take a stand and provide safety and support for those being domestically abused will bring the problem to the surface through the proper channels. Furthermore through the formulation of strict local laws and legislation that is aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence, it will reduce the violence inflicted by abusers due to knowing the dire consequences of indulging in aggression since the victim can turn to law enforcement to prosecute him (ehow, 2007) References Meyer, C. (2009). What Are Some Types Of Domestic Abuse? About.com guide. Retrieved from: http://divorcesupport.about.com/od/abusiverelationships/f/abuse1.htm Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson and Robin M. Akert. (2005). Social Psychology: 5th edition; Ehow. (2007). How to prevent domestic violence. Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/how_2222947_prevent-domestic-violence.html Read More