Violence and Video Games - A Literature Review

It seems that there is wide speculation on the effects of violence in video games and the media and whether this may in turn affect aggression levels in individuals.

Anderson & Dill (2000) Proposed The General Affective Aggression Model (GAAM) which suggests a direct link between violence in video games to aggression and antisocial behaviour in both long and short term scenarios. Anderson & Dill continued their research and conducted two studies that directly supported this proposed model. They concluded that playing games of a high violent content and also by being exposed to these games in laboratory scenarios caused some individuals (predominately predisposed aggressive personalities and males) to have increased levels of aggression. This model is also supported by Cope-Farrar, Kremar & Nowak (2004) who found that gamers that play video games with a high level of violent content seemed to have higher resentment and aggressive tendencies than gamers who played video games of a non-violent nature.

Recently Gordon Brown PM (2007) asked for an independent review of the effect of violence in the media including video games on children. Byron (2008) conducted this independent review and concluded that although a positive link was found between aggressive tendencies and violence in games, this does not prove that one is evident because of the other. It is not clear that the aggression is caused by the game or indeed that the game is chosen by that individual due to an increased level of aggression in that individual's character.

Another point of view is that of Prof. Christopher Ferguson who says that there is no proven link between violent video games and violence in society. He suggests that games with a high level of violence are targeted as a kind of 'scapegoat' with which to deny the actual possible causes of social violence that need to be dealt with, such as family situations, predisposed character, genetics and other outside contributing factors.

After completing the Vark questionnaire based upon how I learn best my results were as follows:

Aural 9

Visual 7

Kinesthetic 6

Read/Write 4

These results confused me slightly as I am identified as an aural learner, which on a prior look at the learning styles I probably would’ve said was my least favourite style. I was slightly taken aback that maybe I wasn’t aware of how I learnt and maybe this could have repercussions on the way in which I have been going about learning thus far in my time at Anglia Ruskin. I then looked at my results as a whole and came to the conclusion that although I obviously scored highest in the aural area, my results were quite evenly spread at least across the first three learning styles. Once I had noticed this I relaxed a little, and realised that I really do enjoy learning more when it is varied. I like to go to a lecture or tutorial and for it to be a completely different experience from the one that proceeded it. I understand that this is not always achievable but I do like the variety to challenge me in some way.

As I mentioned before I would’ve said that aural learning would’ve been my least favourite style of learning, purely because if I accidently heard something wrong and had no evidence to back up what I had heard I may end up learning that mistaken piece of information. Therefore to eliminate this possibility I intend to use various methods of note taking in lectures such as lists and mind maps to jot down anything important or anything I may need to refer back to. Previously I have found that my current method of note taking is taking too long. I am writing far too much and not all of the information is relevant. Using these new techniques I intend for my notes to be more clear and concise.

My Skills and S.W.O.T analysis

I have acquired many skills during my learning line.

Each place of study or personal experience has helped to make me the person I am today, whether that be through learning something about myself or by earning recognised qualifications. I have only been studying at Anglia Ruskin University for the past 3 weeks and I already feel that I am changing with respect to both my learning style and self confidence.

These skills that I have acquired during my learning line include;

Good literacy and numeracy skills

A good grasp of literacy and grammar

The ability to work independently

The ability to take an active role in group work

An increase in self-confidence

Good organisational skills

Punctuality

Reliabilty

Responsibility

Good customer service skills

The ability to deal with customer complaints and problems

Meeting people on a daily basis

Forming positive relationships with clients, colleagues, friends and family

The ability to drive a car

Perseverance

Being able to take risks that take me out of my comfort zone

Competent computer skills

A good knowledge of Early Years Care and Education, including stages of child development

Being able to plan effectively for the positive development of children's learning

The ability to lead and manage a small group

Basic knowledge of H.T.M.L

Basic knowledge of German and Spanish

Mathematic skills

The ability to work well under pressure and to a deadline

and a sense of pride in my work and tasks that I undertake.

After looking at these skills I then comprised a S.W.O.T analysis to help me have a better understanding of my Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that will affect me during my time at ARU. I hope that by looking at this I will be able to set clearer goals for myself and what I would ideally like to improve on or achieve during my time as a student.

I have outlined these below;

Strengths

My organisation

I am confident in terms of my learning (although there will always be room for improvement and personal development)

Having taken some time away from education has helped me to decide that now is the right time to go to university and also what path to take in my studies

I feel that having been in full time employment after sixth form college I have realised how much I would like to work in a field that I really enjoy

Weaknesses

My lack of confidence in group and individual presentations

I can become easily distracted whilst working at home if not surrounded by like-minded people

I think I may worry too much about things and in turn I feel that may end up affecting my studies

Opportunities

The opportunity to gain a degree!

To discover new skills to help my learning

To leave with the qualifications to gain a job in my chosen field

To learn how to use new software

Threats

Getting into debt and having financial difficulties

Having to get a job and that in turn affecting my time to study

Personal situations with my family affecting my concentration