Social Psychology - Aggression Ch 12 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is aggression?

Intentional behavior aimed at doing harm or causing pain to another person.

What is hostile aggression?

Aggression stemming from feelings of anger and aimed at inflicting pain.

What is instrumental aggression?

Aggression as a means to some goal other than causing pain.

What is eros according to Freud?

The instinct towards life. Signup and view all the answers

What does thanatos represent in Freudian theory?

An instinctual drive towards death, leading to aggressive actions. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the amygdala play in aggression?

It is associated with aggressive behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of serotonin in relation to aggression?

A chemical in the brain that may inhibit aggressive impulses. Signup and view all the answers

How is testosterone related to aggression?

It is a hormone associated with aggression. Signup and view all the answers

What is the frustration-aggression theory?

The idea that frustration increases the probability of an aggressive response. Signup and view all the answers

What is an aggressive stimulus?

An object associated with aggressive responses, such as a gun. Signup and view all the answers

What does social learning theory propose?

We learn social behavior by observing and imitating others. Signup and view all the answers

What are scripts in social behavior?

Ways of behaving socially that we learn implicitly from our culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is catharsis in the context of aggression?

The notion that 'blowing off steam' relieves built-up aggressive energies. Signup and view all the answers

Four important features to be aggression: 1) ________, 2) intentional (not accidental), 3) intent is harm, 4) victim wants to avoid harm.

a behavior Signup and view all the answers

Four important features to be aggression: 1) ________, 2) intentional harm (not accidental) 3) victim wants to avoid harm.

a behavior Signup and view all the answers

Four important features to be aggression: 1) a behavior, 2) ________, 3) victim wants to avoid harm.

intentional harm (not accidental) Signup and view all the answers

Four important features to be aggression: 1) a behavior, 2) intentional harm (not accidental), 3) ________.

victim wants to avoid harm Signup and view all the answers

How is aggression defined according to most social psychologists?

Intent to cause harm and pain in another and then actually do it. Signup and view all the answers

What type of aggression would it be when Ruth spreads malicious rumors about her cheating boyfriend?

Indirect aggression Signup and view all the answers

According to social psychologists, which is the best example of aggression?

Child temper tantrum Signup and view all the answers

How does hostile aggression differ from instrumental aggression?

Involves inflicting pain as a means to an end Signup and view all the answers

Which psychology theorist proposed the concept of the death instinct?

Freud Signup and view all the answers

Which school of psychology emphasizes genetic survival in aggression?

Evolutionary psychology Signup and view all the answers

There is a strong, ______ correlation...

positive Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions of Aggression

Aggression refers to intentional behavior aimed at causing harm or pain to another individual.
Hostile aggression is rooted in anger and is directed towards inflicting pain on someone.
Instrumental aggression is targeted behavior that seeks to achieve a specific goal, not necessarily to cause pain.

Psychological Constructs

Eros represents the life instinct, according to Freud, driving individuals towards life-affirming behaviors.
Thanatos is Freud’s concept of the death instinct, which can manifest in aggressive actions.
The amygdala is a brain region linked to aggression and emotional responses.

Biological Influences

Serotonin acts as an inhibitor for aggressive impulses within the brain.
Testosterone is a hormone that has been significantly associated with aggressive behavior in both males and females.

Theories of Aggression

Frustration-aggression theory posits that experiencing frustration increases the likelihood of aggressive responses, particularly when goals are thwarted.
An aggressive stimulus refers to an object linked with aggressive actions (e.g., firearms) that may trigger aggression by its mere presence.
Social learning theory suggests that aggressive behavior is acquired through observation and imitation of others.

Scripts are societal norms and behaviors learned implicitly, guiding individuals on how to act in social situations, including aggressive contexts.
Catharsis is the idea that expressing aggression (e.g., through action or fantasy) relieves pent-up aggressive energy, theoretically reducing future aggressive actions.

Key Features of Aggression

Essential features include intentional harm, the desire for victims to avoid harm, and the behavior must be intentional, distinguishing it from accidental actions.

Types of Aggression

Hostile aggression is characterized as “hot” and impulsive, driven by anger and the desire to inflict harm.
Instrumental aggression is termed “cold” and is premeditated, executed for tangible benefits or causes.

Aggression in Context

Indirect aggression could manifest as spreading rumors when feeling betrayed, while assertive behavior may not be classified as aggression.
Evolutionary psychology emphasizes genetic survival, framing aggression as a means to enhance the survival of genetic heritage rather than individual survival.

Statistical Insights

There is evidence of a strong positive correlation between certain psychological factors and aggressive behavior, indicating a relationship worth exploring further.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 12 on aggression in social psychology through these flashcards. Delve into definitions of terms like hostile aggression and instrumental aggression, and expand your understanding of human behavior aimed at harm and the instinct towards life. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge of aggression in social contexts.