The impact of media violence on the behaviour of the viewer : a quantitative study

Abstract

This research project was inspired due to two major explosions that our society experienced in the 20th century: a Mass Media and a Violent Crime Explosions. It explores the impact media violence exposure has on the behaviour of the viewer, by analysing misbehaviours such as Drug/Substance Abuse, Bullying/Harassing, Driving Misbehaviour, Teenage Misbehaviour and Overall Misbehaviour. Such behaviours were examined through general preferences and habits of media violence, exposure with regards to media violence during childhood, accompanied viewing during media violence as well as imitation of aggressive television or movie characters. A quantitative approach was applied and a retrospective survey which included a standardised test, designed to understand comprehensive misbehaviour was used. However, it was necessarily modified to suit the research questions and focus of this study. The data was analysed with the aid of two non-parametric tests: The Kruskal-Wallis H test and The Mann-Whitney U test where a relationship was evident between media violence exposure and various misbehaviours. However, accompanied viewing required further research in order to establish a relationship.