I am currently studying psychology so I have some knowledge on these topics but I haven't done any specific research in this area.
While it is true that violent kids may play more violent video games and other factors do contribute to violent behaviour this does not invalidate studies on violence and video games. However,it may mean the information gathered from particular studies is incorrect.
Unfortunately the article does not state the type of study done. If this is mearly a correlational study (one that simply computes statistical associations) the factors the parent pointed out may mean there is no link between violent behaviour and video games.
A properly done, experimental study can prove causation. Experimental studies control other factors through random sampling and manipulate the independent variable.
These experiments on violence in videogames cannont elicit acutal violence but they may tests a person's willingness to hurt another. Playing violent video games has been shown to increase aggressive thoughts (Anderson, 2003) although the effect is not huge.
Those that may critisize me for having an agenda against violent video games should also note I regularly play such games myself.
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I am currently studying psychology so I have some knowledge on these topics but I haven't done any specific research in this area. While it is true that violent kids may play more violent video games and other factors do contribute to violent behaviour this does not invalidate studies on violence and video games. However,it may mean the information gathered from particular studies is incorrect. Unfortunately the article does not state the type of study done. If this is mearly a correlational study (one that simply computes statistical associations) the factors the parent pointed out may mean there is no link between violent behaviour and video games. A properly done, experimental study can prove causation. Experimental studies control other factors through random sampling and manipulate the independent variable. These experiments on violence in videogames cannont elicit acutal violence but they may tests a person's willingness to hurt another. Playing violent video games has been shown to increase aggressive thoughts (Anderson, 2003) although the effect is not huge. Those that may critisize me for having an agenda against violent video games should also note I regularly play such games myself.