The Effects of Rap Music and Media Violence on Aggressive Behavior in Children - An Experimental Design

INTRODUCTION

For over 40 years, both experimental and field studies have been conducted to determine the effects of media violence on aggressive behavior in children. Although many may argue that the data supporting a positive correlation is still inconclusive (Freedman, 1984), research findings discrediting the correlational theory are relatively few. Most of the data seems to point in one direction and that is: that media violence is significantly related to increased aggression in children. It is certainly undeniable that other factors such as socioeconomic status, parental involvement, and violence in the home play an active role in attitude formation. The amount and intensity of television viewing, extent of violence portrayed in programs watched, and children’s perception of program content also need to be taken into account. However, research findings are clear that exposure to media violence is a major contributing factor to aggressive behavior. Alarmingly, it has been est...