Discuss the two major psychological theories regarding aggression. To what extent can we lessen human aggression, given these accounts?
What will be an ideal response?
The following ideas should be included:
Aggression is the intentional injury of or harm to another person.
Instinct approaches stem from Freud's notion that aggression is a primary, innate, and instinctual drive. Konrad Lorenz, an ethologist expanded Freud's notions by arguing that humans, along with members of other species, have a fighting instinct; the drive builds up until it is released during a process of catharsis. Lorenz suggests that society should provide acceptable outlets for the inevitable release of this innate drive; that is all we can really do to channel aggression. Organized sports may provide such an acceptable outlet.
Observational learning approaches, on the other hand, maintain that we learn to be aggressive by observing others-models-receive reinforcement for aggressive behavior. This theory suggests that viewing violence on television or in movies is not cathartic; rather, it provides a model for aggressive behavior. We can lessen aggression by providing fewer instances in which models are rewarded for aggression-we can limit the amount of violence shown on television, for example.
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