Agression

Question 1

Define aggression

Answer 1

The intent to harm outside the rules; hostile behaviour

Question 2

Examples of aggression

Answer 2

• uncontrolled
• intent to harm
• outside rules
• reactive

Question 3

Define assertion

Answer 3

Well-motivated behaviour within the rules

Question 4

Examples of assertion

Answer 4

• controlled
• no intent to harm
• within the rules
• motivated

Question 5

Theories of aggression

Answer 5

• frustration- aggression hypothesis
• aggressive cue hypothesis
• social learning theory
• instinct theory

Question 6

Instinct theory

Define catharsis:

Answer 6

• the aggressive response is innate
• it is a product of our evolution and will surface under provocation. Defending territory such as a home pitch in football
• players use sport as an outlet for built-up aggressive energy. Catharsis.

Question 7

Evolution of the instinct theory

Answer 7

• aggression may not be spontaneous
• aggression is pre-planned/learned
• evaluation, not all aggressive
• performers in aggressive sports calmer away from the game. Through catharsis

Question 8

The frustration aggression hypothesis

Answer 8

The fa hypothesis:

• aggression is inevitable when frustrating circumstances cause our goals to be blocked e.g a refs decision
• if aggression can be released: catharsis may occur
• aggression cannot be released: more frustration can occur

•drive -> obstacle-> frustration -> inevitable aggression= success ->catharsi or punishment -> more

Question 9

The aggression cue hypothesis defined

Answer 9

-suggests that aggression is caused by a learned trigger

Question 10

The aggression cue hypothesis

Answer 10

• aggression only occurs if learned ‘cues’ are present
• such pre learned cues, learned from the coach or other players, trigger the aggressive response. For example, a coach may have allowed a footballer to elbow the defender as his team works for positions in the penalty area as a corner is taken. The taking of a corner is a learned cue for an aggressive response
• goals blocked -> arousal -> cues present -> aggression likely
• goals blocked -> arousal -> no cues present -> aggression unlikely

Question 11

Social learning theory

Answer 11

• aggression is learned from experience, coaches, role models and significant others.
• aggressive behaviour will be copied if it is reinforced, eg. A basketballs sees her team captain foul an opponent she is marking closely and the opposing player is put off her game
• bandits suggested that children will copy the aggressive behaviour of adults, especially in a live situation

•observe -> identify -> reinforced -> copy

Question 12

The summarised diagram

Aggression the intent to harm others

Answer 12

Caused by:

Instinct theory ~ aggression is innate

Frustration aggression hypothesis ~ aggression when goals blocked

Learned cues ~ aggression is triggered

Social learning ~ aggression is copied

Question 13

Strategies to parent aggression

Answer 13

• don’t reinforce aggressive acts in training
• punishing players with fines, sub them
• sending played off
• calming players down
• teach relation, stress management
• set goals on performance not outcome
• reinforce assertion in training
• reinforcing the rules consistently and fairly (fair play awards)
• pointing out responsibilities to the team
• walking away from the situation
• applying sanctions immediately
• non aggressive goals
• highlight non aggressive role models
• channel aggression into assertion
• set goals on performance not outcome

Question 14

Exam style question:

Explain how aggression might be caused in a team game using instinct theory. Is this theory always a reliable way of explain aggression in sport?

Answer 14

• the theory suggests that aggression can occur since performers are born with an aggressive nature
• not all aggression is spontaneous
• aggression can be learned
• sports performers are not aggressive all the time

Question 15

Summary:

Aggression can be explained by four theories which suggest that aggression is a result of:

Answer 15

• venue - home or away?
• coaches reinforcing aggression
• frustration from the refereeing decision or loosing
• rivalry, derby game, or increased competition
• copying others such as aggressive role models
• learned cues