Final answer:
The claim that watching violent TV increases activity in the cerebellum is false. This brain region is not primarily associated with processing violent media. Psychological studies focus on aggression and behavior linked to various brain areas, but not specifically the cerebellum.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is false that when a child watches violence on TV, there is an increase in activity of the cerebellum. The assertion is not directly supported by current scientific research, and the cerebellum is primarily associated with motor control, not with the processing of violent content. The cerebellum may be involved in some cognitive functions and emotional processing, but there is no direct evidence linking its increased activity to the viewing of violent television.
Studies have indicated that exposure to violent media may be correlated with aggressive behavior and thoughts, but these responses are likely associated with different areas of the brain involved in processing emotions and executive functions such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. For example, researchers like Anderson and Bushman have found evidence suggesting a causal link between exposure to violent media and aggressive thoughts and behaviors, while acknowledging the need to consider other variables such as mental health and family dynamics.
Overall, while there is a body of research exploring the link between media violence and aggression, the specific claim about the cerebellum's activity in response to violent TV is not validated by scientific studies in the field of psychology.