Research Studies Relating to Media Influence on Pro and Anti Social Behaviour

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Research Studies Relating to Media Influence on Pro and Anti Social Behaviour

There have been many studies of TV violence and aggression - partly

due because of the increasing amount of violence being shown on TV,

and partly because of the increasing importance of TV in our day to

day living.

Media influence on pro-social behaviour.

Hearold (1986) found that despite the relatively few studies that have

been carried out on the media's pro-social influence compared to its

antisocial influence, the influences observed have been larger and

constant for both girls and boys. This is seen as being largely due to

have an influence on viewers where antisocial messages are not.

Research has shown that children imitate many figures of pro-social

behaviour when exposed to models displaying these behaviors in the

media.

Research on pro-social influence has shown that television messages

that contain only a pro-social message are generally effective in

producing pro-social behaviour in viewers. However, research has often

used brief segments of specially produced programmes, and so may be

considered artificial and lack real life application. Research into

the influences of pro-social behaviour has shown that pro-social

messages that are presented alongside anti social messages need to be

presented in clear contrast and for the majority of the programme. If

this does not happen, children mat model antisocial behaviour as well.

Some research studies e.g. Friedrich Cofer et al 1979, have shown and

increase in anti social after children viewed programmes that

contained both types. Studies on pro-social influence show limited

support for the beneficial effects of conflict without resolution

messages. Children younger than eight may not benefit as older

children.

Media influence of antisocial behaviour.

There have been many different research studies investigating the

influence of media on anti social behaviour. There has also been a

large variety of different research methods used, including

correlation studies, lab experiments, natural experiemtns, and

longitudinal studies.

Correlation studies conducted by Robinson and Bachman (1972) suggest a

link between watching television violence and engaging in violent

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