Theories of aggression

Question 1

What are the 4 theories of aggression?

Answer 1

Instinct theory
Frustration - aggression hypothesis
Aggression cue hypothesis
Social learning theory

Question 2

What is the general suggestion of the instinct theory?

Answer 2

Suggests that we have a natural trait or predisposition to be aggressive. We genetically have a biological drive to defend ourselves

Question 3

What are the 3 things the instinct theory states?

Answer 3

• If we are provoked, we will act aggressively
• Aggressive ‘animal instincts’ surface when faced with a threat - fight for survival
• Once aggression is released, catharsis is experienced

Question 4

What is a sporting example of the instinct theory?

Answer 4

A reaction to a bad foul, you may try to defend yourself as you perceive a threat of injury. This might be by committing an aggressive act

Question 5

Is the instinct theory nature or nurture?

Answer 5

Nature

Question 6

What are the limitations of the instinct theory?

Answer 6

• Not all aggression is reactive and spontaneous - some is learnt or pre-intended
• Some performers may not experience catharsis, therefore aggression levels can continue to increase during performance
• Suggests that we are all genetically determined to behave aggressively which is not true, some people never act aggressively
• Aggression can be unlearnt

Question 7

What is the general suggestion about the frustration - aggression hypothesis?

Answer 7

Suggests that aggression is inevitable when goals are blocked, and the performer becomes frustrated

Question 8

What are the 4 things the frustration - aggression hypothesis states?

Answer 8

• Frustration leads to aggression
• A successful release of aggression can lower the level of frustration
• If aggression is not released then a form of punishment occurs which increases frustration, leading to further aggression (catastrophe arousal theory)
• Frustration = Aggression (F=A) is useful. As if a coach can identify the frustration, they know how to prevent the aggressive act

Question 9

What is a sporting example of the frustration - aggression hypothesis?

Answer 9

A basketball player is dribbling and running towards the basket. They are fouled and therefore their goal has been blocked. They feel frustrated, which leads to them pushing their opponent.

Question 10

Is the frustration aggression hypothesis nature or nurture?

Answer 10

Nature

Question 11

What are the limitations of the frustration - aggression hypothesis?

Answer 11

• Not all frustration leads to aggression; some players can control themselves
• Not all aggression is the result of frustration
• No allowance for situation/environment

Question 12

What is the aggressive cue hypothesis an updated version of?

Answer 12

Berkowitz updates the frustration-aggression hypothesis

Question 13

What is the general suggestion about the aggressive cue hypothesis?

Answer 13

When a performer has their goal blocked, their arousal levels increase, and they experience frustration. This leads to them being ready for an aggressive act, rather than inevitable aggression.
Suggests that aggression is caused by a learning trigger

Question 14

What are the 5 things the aggressive cue hypothesis states?

Answer 14

• Increased frustration will lead to increased arousal levels and a drive towards aggressive responses. However, aggressive responses will only occur if certain learned ‘cues’ are present
• A learned trigger or cue acts as a stimulus to act aggressively
• The cue may come from fellow performers, a coach, perceived unfairness, witnessing violence
• The cue may be another performer or certain equipment, e.g. boxing gloves or enticement by the crowd
• This theory explains that not all frustration leads to aggression! The aggressive cue must be present

Question 15

What is a sporting example of the aggressive cue hypothesis?

Answer 15

A football player who has been praised by their coach for aggressive, dangerous tackles may learn that this is a positive behaviour, and the coach will act as a cue in future performances

Question 16

Is the aggressive cue hypothesis nature or nurture?

Answer 16

Nurture

Question 17

What are the limitations of the aggressive cue hypothesis?

Answer 17

• Not all aggression is learned
• Not all aggression needs a cue
• A lot of sporting performers use equipment, this does not lead to all of them acting aggressively

Question 18

What is the main suggestion about social learning theory and aggression?

Answer 18

It asserts that all aggression is learned by observation

Question 19

What are the 3 things social learning theory states about aggression?

Answer 19

• Aggressive acts are observed and copied from significant others behaviours (learnt through modelling)
• You are more likely to copy an aggressive act if the act is reinforced or taught by others
• Aggressive behaviour is more likely to be copied if it is consistent

Question 20

What is a sporting example of aggression due to social learning theory?

Answer 20

A young rugby player watches his idol high tackle an opponent. The crowd cheers and the opponent is prevented from scoring a try. The young player will copy this aggressive act

Question 21

Is the social learning theory nature or nurture?

Answer 21

Nurture

Question 22

What are the limitations of the social learning theory explaining aggression?

Answer 22

• Aggression can be instinctive and reactive rather than being learned (ignores traits)
• Same situation = different responses
• It doesn’t state specifically which “cues” lead to aggression