Video Games Cause Aggressive Behavior? No Consensus Yet
- Scribbled on February 20th, 2007 by S Holmes
- Filed in Press Release
Gamepolitics.com, a site run by the Entertainment Consumers Association, is reporting that it has received information on a new study of video games and their propensity for leading to aggressive behavior.
Described as a “meta-analysis,” this study isn’t intended to add to what is becoming a crowded field of research on the issue. It would best be described as a “summary” of studies already conducted because it simply examined existing research (i.e. no new research was conducted) to get a feel for what has or has not been established.
Although very limited information from the actual report is available, the researcher, Christopher J. Ferguson, appears to conclude that studies used to support a link between violent games and increased aggressive behavior “provide only questionable or inconsistent evidence.” He comments in an accompanying email to Gamepolitics that “violent games do not appear to increase aggressive behavior,” although concedes that they appear to increase aggressive thoughts. He also expressed opinions suggesting there are inadequate testing methods and publication bias in relation to these video game behavioral studies.
Solid scientific evidence of harmful behavioral effects from playing video games has largely been the missing constitutional link in judicial acceptance of recent video game legislation.
Leave a Comment (NOTE: Comments are moderated)
You must be logged in to post a comment.