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Chapter 13: Aggression

Social Psychology by

Tom Gilovich, Dacher

Keltner, and Richard

Nisbett

Aggression

Hostile aggression - behavior intended to harm another,

either physically or psychologically, and motivated by

feelings of anger and hostility

Instrumental aggression - behavior intended to harm

another in the service of motives other than pure

hostility (for example, to attract attention, acquire

wealth, and to advance political and ideological

causes)

Personal Determinants

 Type A behavior pattern

 Hostile attributional style

 Narcissism (inflated self-esteem)

 Gender (higher in males when not provoked)

– males tend to use direct forms (push, shove, insult)

– females tend to use indirect (gossip, spread rumors)

Next

Personal Determinants

 Biological

– Instinct theory - innate (unlearned) behavior pattern

 Freud- redirecting the “death instinct” (thanatos) to others

 Lorenz- inherited “fighting instinct” developed through the

course of evolution (strongest survive)

– Neural Influences

– Genetic Influences

– Blood Chemistry

 high testosterone linked to higher aggression and less helping

 low levels of serotonin inhibit ability to restrain aggressive

urges

Frustration-Aggression Theory

Frustration (Goal)

Other additional responses (e.g., withdrawal)

Instigation to aggress

Outward aggression

Inward aggression (e.g., suicide)

Indirect

Direct

Back

Bandura, Ross, & Ross

 Subjects were exposed to either aggressive or nonaggressive models

 Nonaggressive model assembled tinker toys

 Aggressive model hit Bobo doll

 Subject then spent 20 mins alone in room with various toys including Bobo.

• What did it look like?

Control Nonaggressive

Aggressive

Physical Aggression

Female Male

Chermack, Berman, & Taylor

 Subjects competed against “opponent” in reaction time game  After each trial, loser received a shock  2 conditions

• Low provocation - shocks stayed at setting #
• High provocation - shocks gradually increased from 2 to 9

Shock Setting

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3

Low Provocation High Provocation

Back

Excitation Transfer Theory

Aggression is increased

Aggression is not increased

Arousal and irritation attributed to delay at gate

Arousal and irritation are attributed mainly to “meeting the parents”

Frustration (delay at gate)

Meeting your future in-laws

Heightened arousal

Residual arousal

Back

Situational Determinants

 alcohol

• intoxicated participants

behave more

aggressively and

respond to provocations

more strongly

• low aggressors became

more aggressive when

intoxicated, whereas high

aggressors did not

Low Aggressors High Aggressors

Sober Intoxicated

Situational Determinants

 Media

Controlling Aggression (con’t)

 Cognitive interventions

– apologizing can be effective

– engage in activities that distract attention away from

causes of anger

 Teach social skills

– better communication

 Induce incompatible responses

– humor

Study Smarter:

Student Website

 http://www.wwnorton.com/socialpsych

Chapter Reviews

Diagnostic Quizzes

Vocabulary Flashcards

Apply It! Exercises