Question

When Anderson and Bushman had research participants play either a violent or a non-violent video game, they found that participants who had played the violent game:

A) Showed no change in aggression levels.
B) Displayed increased aggression levels.
C) Experienced decreased aggression levels.
D) Developed improved social skills.

Answer 1

Participants who played violent video games exhibited higher aggression levels according to research by Anderson and Bushman.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Anderson and Bushman researched the effects of video game violence, they discovered that participants who played a violent video game displayed increased aggression levels. Their studies over the years, including a notable meta-analysis in 2001, indicated that violent video games lead to an immediate increase in hostile or aggressive thoughts, aggressive emotions, and a physiological arousal that can lead to aggressive behaviors. Despite some studies showing 'scant evidence' of video games causing criminal behavior, the consensus from Anderson and Bushman's work suggests a correlation between violent video games and increased aggression.