Cooper & Mackie
Results
The result of perception of games was as followed: The least violent was maze game, and boys seemed to enjoy playing more than observe. However, girls enjoyed observing better than playing, and enjoyed maze game the most. The girls were affected more, especially in missile game; the boys had little effect. Furthermore, boys used the red buzzer more than girls in both good and bad.
Conclusions
In conclusion, playing aggressive games for girls increased activity and play with aggressive toys, however boys were not affected. Playing and observing had the same affect, and did not affect aggressive behaviour.
Limitations and criticisms
One weakness of Cooper and Mackie’s research into aggressive behaviour and gaming is that it has low population validity. One limitation of Cooper and Mackie’s research into aggressive behaviour and gaming is that it has low ecological validity. This is because in real life video games aren’t normally played under such strict time conditions, or with one person watching who is not allowed to be physically involved in the game in any way.