Aggression

Question 1

Definition of aggression

Answer 1

Any behaviour that is intended to harm another individual by physical or verbal means. (Bull 1990)
An act with the intention to harm or injure an individual who is motivated to avoid such harm. (Baron 1994)

Question 2

What does the instinct theory of aggression state

Answer 2

A trait theory proposed by Freud (1920)

• states that aggression is inevitable as it is genetically inherited, and is therefore predictable

• the aggressive trait is called the ‘death instinct’ which is behaving aggressively, even when self destructive (not in the individual’s best interests).

Question 3

What does Social Learning theory of aggression state

Answer 3

Proposed by Bandura (1966)

• aggression is learned through imitation of others, particularly of role models

• aggression is more likely to be copied if the role model is reinforced for it

• aggression is more likely if it is the social norm of the group, which may link to the sport being played. Eg: American football

Question 4

Social Learning Theory
Strengths

Answer 4

Supported by Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment

Question 5

Social learning theory Weaknesses

Answer 5

People can be aggressive without ever having seen aggression

Doesn’t explain aggression in young children

Doesn’t take into account individual’s personality / genetics / nate aggression / someone who is always aggressive

Aggression can be instinctive / a trait / impulsive

People with similar role models act differently / aren’t all aggressive

Some will realise aggression they’ve seen is wrong so wont copy

Some people need frustration / a ‘cue’ to be aggressive

Question 6

Frustration aggression hypothesis

Answer 6

Proposed by Dollard (1939)

• this theory proposed that frustration is caused by the environment blocking the goals of the
performer, which inevitably triggers aggression.

• if the aggressive act is successful, frustration will be released through catharsis. If the act is unsuccessful or is punished, then there will be a further build up of aggression.

Question 7

Aggressive cue hypothesis

Answer 7

Proposed by Berkowitz (1969)

• this theory proposed that frustration leads to increased arousal which creates a readiness for aggression

. aggression will only be triggered if provoked by a cue from the environment. e.g. if a player’s arousal is high and the referee makes a decision which is considered unfair, an aggressive act will follow.

Question 8

How can we reduce aggressive tendencies

Answer 8

mentally relax

Physically relax-progressive muscular relaxation

Imagery-mental rehearsal or mental practice

Selective attention-block out distractions

Use of punishment-subbed off in netball

teach assertive techniques

Positively reinforce non-aggression

positive role models to show assertion eg captain in football never shows aggression

Use positive self talk

Question 9

Strengths of the instinct theory of aggression

Answer 9

It can be a natural human instinct to be aggressive
or aggression could be a result of genetics / inherited / innate / trait

assression can be hard to control
Some people are consistently/always aggressive

or aggression is predictable in some people

You can feel a release of aggression/catharsis when channeling aggression into sport.

Question 10

Weaknesses of the instinct theory of aggression

Answer 10

Too simplistic/ too generalised

Aggression is often not spontaneous or aggression is usually provoked socialisation

Aggression is often learned / copied / influenced by upbringing/influenced by
or people can learn not to be aggressive (disproving the theory) or people can control aggressive instincts (disproving the theory)
Aggression is shown by people at different times / depending on environmental situation