Final answer:
Research on observational learning suggests that exposure to violent media typically leads to more aggressive behavior. Studies such as the Bobo doll experiment have shown that observing violence can increase the likelihood of aggression, although the extent of this impact and other contributing factors are still subjects of academic debate.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to research involving observational learning, violent media tends to make observers behave more aggressively. Studies have shown that exposure to violent television shows, movies, and video games can lead to an increase in aggressive thoughts and behaviors in both children and adults (Anderson & Gentile, 2008; Kirsch, 2010; Miller et al., 2012). In particular, Albert Bandura's Bobo doll study is often cited as early evidence that children who observed violent behavior were more likely to replicate that aggressive behavior themselves. While there is some debate in the academic community about the extent of the impact of violent media on aggression, the majority of research points towards a positive correlation between consuming violent media and displaying aggressive behavior.
For example, research by Craig Anderson and colleagues suggested a causal link between hours of exposure to violent media and aggressive thoughts and behaviors. However, other factors such as mental health and family life may also contribute to this behavior and not all research concedes a definitive link between violent media and aggression in real-life criminal violence (Savage, 2003; Ferguson, 2011). Nonetheless, the consensus in psychological research leans towards acknowledging that increased consumption of violent media can lead to more aggressive behavior.