. . Laboratory experiments show that immediately after viewing violent TV shows, children often behave and play more aggressively and choose aggressive solutions to social problems (Lippa, 1990, 453).
Some studies and social psychologists disagree with these general findings, but Lippa argues that "the preponderance of research documents a relationship between TV viewing and aggression in children" (Lippa, 1990, 453). The social psychological perspective, then, in general, is that such a relationship does exist and should be a concern for parents and society.
In one "meta-analysis" of 230 studies into this relationship
between TV violence and children's aggression, one researcher
found consistent evidence that TV violence is related to children's aggressiveness. In addition, she observed the following trends: the effects of TV violence tend to increase with age for boys but decrease for girls; TV violence encourages real-life violence, particularly when it is realistic and portrayed as justified, and finally, children need not be aroused to be affected by TV violence. But as research on frustration and arousal suggests, these variables can heighten the effects of media violence on children's aggressiveness (Lippa, 1990, 456).
Hearold's meta-study is particularly significant because of its overview, which indicates clearly that the majority of studies does show a correlation between TV violence and aggressio
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