Verbal imagery and connotation as memory-induced mediators of aggressive behavior.

Abstract

Three studies investigated the effects of an information-processing variable (imagery-concreteness) on susceptibility to aggressive stimulation. Study 1 (n=83) results indicated that subjects' rating of imagery level and aggressive connotation for words can be manipulated independently. In study 2 (n=64), manipulations of verbal connotation and verbal imagery indicated that imagery level but not aggressive connotation significantly influenced the delayed recall of the verbal material. In Study 3 (n=60), males in a 2 X 2 between-subjects factorial design first learned lists of words varying in imagery (high or low) and verbal connotation (aggressive or neutral). Next, subjects were given the opportunity to shock their partners as part of a sham learning task. To induce arousal, all subjects learning high-imagery-aggressive word lists delivered significantly more intense shock to their partners. The results were interpreted as supporting an information-processing (memory) analysis of the effects of exposure to aggressive material.

Does the Gun Pull the Trigger? Automatic Priming Effects of Weapon Pictures and Weapon Names

“…As noted earlier, the weapons effect on aggressive behavior is well established. Similarly, merely memorizing aggressive words increases later aggressive behavior (Turner & Layton, 1976). Furthermore, decades of research on the effects of viewing television violence have yielded substantial links to subsequent aggressive behavior (e.g., Huesmann & Miller, 1994).…”

The stimulating and inhibiting effects of weapons on Aggressive behavior

“…We have suggested that the impact o f aggressive cues is determined by factors such as the meaning attached t o them, the degree t o which they are associated with reward and punishment, and individual differences in people's experience with firearms. Turner and Layton (1976) and Turner and Goldsmith (1976) have proposed an information processing and memory analysis that provides an additional mechanism by which aggressive stimuli such as firearms could facilitate aggressive behavior. Not only may people learn an aggressive meaning to firearms because of the common association between firearms and aggressive behavior, but the firearms may serve as retrieval (or reminder) cues for earlier aggressive episodes.…”

Mitigating the imitation of aggressive behaviors by changing children's attitudes about media violence.

“…Recently, Collins (1982), Huesmann (1982), and Turner (Turner & Layton, 1976;Turner & Fenn, 1979) attempted to connect the effects of television violence viewing more closely to theorizing in cognitive psychology. They have suggested that aggressive problemsolving strategies may be associated with specific cues in an aggressive film and retrieved when those cues or similar cues are present.…”