Final answer:
Research on viewing violent TV and its effects revealed mixed results. Some studies have found a link between media violence and aggression, while others did not find a definitive connection, leading to ongoing research into this complex issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between viewing violent media and aggressive behavior is a topic of considerable debate and research in psychology. Studies vary with some, like Anderson and Bushman (2011), showing evidence of a causal link that viewing violence can lead to aggressive thoughts and behaviors. Others, like Savage (2003), in a meta-analysis study, could not definitively link viewing violent media to committing criminal violence. Despite these mixed findings, it is generally accepted that there may be some connection between media violence and social aggression, though the extent and nature of that connection are still being studied. Specific studies have demonstrated that exposure to violent content may have a desensitizing effect and correlate with aggressive thoughts (Krahe et al. 2011). In children, this exposure has been linked to increases in physical and relational aggression (Gentile, Mathieson, and Crick 2011). The American Psychological Association began a meta-analysis in 2013 to further examine the effects of media violence on behavior, recognizing the need for ongoing investigation into this complex subject.