Final answer:
The type of video clip in Dr. Wakefield's study is the independent variable as it is the component being manipulated to observe its effect on children's behavior. This reflects ongoing research into the impact of violent media on aggression.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Dr. Wakefield's study, the type of video clip is indeed the independent variable. This is because the independent variable is the factor that is manipulated by the researcher to determine if it has an effect on another variable, which in this case is the children's aggressive behavior. By comparing the average number of aggressive acts after children watched different types of video clips, Dr. Wakefield can determine if there is a causal link between media content and aggression in children.
The idea that exposure to violent media might increase aggression is not new. Studies such as those by Albert Bandura and more recent work by Anderson and Bushman have examined this potential connection. While Bandura's Bobo doll study showcases modeling behavior and the potential for media to influence aggression, later research has looked into the effects of violent video games and other media on aggression, with mixed results regarding the strength and nature of the correlation.