Final answer:
A study exploring whether task failure prompts aggression aligns with the frustration-aggression theory, suggesting the potential for increased aggression after failure. However, research also indicates the importance of other factors influencing aggression, such as media exposure, mental health, and family life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to a study designed to examine if failure of a task causes aggression. According to the frustration-aggression theory, when individuals are prevented from achieving an important goal, they may experience frustration leading to aggression.
Aggression takes two forms: hostile aggression, which is motivated by anger with the intent to cause pain, and instrumental aggression, which is motivated by a goal and does not necessarily involve the intent to cause pain.
Research into the impact of media on aggression provides insights into this question as well. Studies suggest that exposure to violent media can lead to aggressive thoughts and behaviors, and children exposed to violent media have shown an increase in physical and relational aggression.
However, complexity arises in the interpretation of these findings. Other factors, such as mental health and family environment, are significant and can contribute to or mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Overall, while there may be a potential causal link between task failure and aggression, additional research is necessary to account for the interaction of multiple influencing factors on human aggression.