Theories of aggression Flashcards
Lesson 8 (20 cards)
What are the four theories of aggression?
Instinct theory.
Frustration-aggression hypothesis
Aggression cue Hypothesis
Social learning theory
What is the Instinct theory?
Suggests that we have a natural trait or predisposition to be aggressive. We genetically have a biological drive to defend ourselves. If we are provoked we will act aggressively, Aggressive animal instincts surface when faced with a threat-fight for survival, Once aggression is related, catharsis is experienced.
What are sporting examples of instinct theory?
When playing at home, sport performers will defend their home record and try everything to win even aggression.
A reaction to a bad foul, you may try yo defend yourself as you perceive a threat of injury this might be by committing an aggressive act.
What is the nature of the instinct theory?
it is believed this theory is evolutionary, claiming all performers are born with an aggressive instinct that will surface if provoked
What are the limitations to the instinct theory?
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. The instinct theory suggests that as humans we are all genetically determined to behave aggressively this is not true some people never act aggressively. Aggression is normally a provoked or copied from a significant other. Aggression can be unlearnt
What does frustration-aggression hypothesis suggest?
This theory believes aggression is all about a ‘goal being blocked’ and aggression is inevitable.
Drive to goal need to win- obstacle to a. goal- frustration- aggression either success and catharsis or punishment leading back to frustration
What is the process of frustration-aggression hypothesis?
frustration leads to aggression. A successful release of aggression can lower the level of frustration. if aggression is not related then a form of punishment occurs which increases frustration, leading to further aggression F=A
Give an example of frustration-aggression hypothesis
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
What are reasons a performer might react with aggression due to frustration in sport?
losing, poor personal performance, poor performance from others, disagreement with referee, hostile crows, pressure of success, high pressure game, being fouled
What is the nature of the frustration- aggression hypothesis ?
similar to instinct theory, a performer has innate aggressive tendencies
What are limitations of frustration-aggression hypothesis?
Not all frustration leads to aggression some players can control themselves, not all aggression is the result of frustration, no allowance for situation/environment
What is the aggressive cue hypothesis?
Berkowitz updates the frustration-aggression hypothesis. 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.
How does aggressive cue hypothesis work?
suggests that aggression is caused by a learned trigger. 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. This theory explains that not all frustration leads to aggression the aggressive cue must be present
What is an example of aggressive cue hypothesis ?
A coach allowing a basketball player to push away an opponent who is marking them too closely. Therefore, any opponent who marks too closely in the future will more than likely get pushed.
What is the nature of aggressive cue hypothesis?
aggression is caused by a learned trigger. it is also believed that this theory begins to generate the idea that aggression can be learned from significant others
What are limitations of aggressive cue hypothesis?
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
What is the social learning theory?
This opposes the trait approach to aggression and is based on the work of Bandura. It asserts that all aggression is learned by Observation. 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 copied if it is consistent.
What is an example of social learning theory?
A young rugby player watches his idol high tackle an opponent. The crowd cheers and the opponents is prevented from scoring a try. The young player will copy this aggressive act
What is the nature of the social learning theory?
aggression can be copied from others. Observe- Identify- Reinforce- Copy
What are the limitations to the social learning theory?
Aggression can be instinctive and reactive rather than being learned, same situation=different responses, It doesn’t state specifically which cues lead to aggression
