Aggression: Types of Aggression and Strategies for Managing Aggression

OCR

GCSE

Candidates must differentiate between hostile aggression, instrumental aggression, and assertive behaviour, explicitly identifying the role of intent and adherence to the laws of the game. Analysis must interrogate the validity of the four primary theoretical models: Instinct Theory, Social Learning Theory, Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis, and Aggressive Cue Hypothesis. Furthermore, responses must evaluate the efficacy of cognitive and somatic control strategies, alongside the role of officials and coaches in modulating aggressive antecedents.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

Aggression: Types of Aggression and Strategies for Managing Aggression

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award 1 mark for defining Direct Aggression as involving physical contact with intent to harm another player (e.g., a high tackle in rugby).
Credit responses that define Indirect Aggression as aggression channelled at an object to gain advantage or intimidate (e.g., smashing a tennis ball).
Candidates must link Deep Breathing to somatic anxiety reduction (lowering heart rate) to control aggressive impulses.
Award marks for Mental Rehearsal/Imagery where the candidate describes visualizing a calm performance or successful outcome to reduce arousal.
Credit Positive Self-Talk for replacing negative thoughts with positive statements to maintain focus and reduce frustration.
Award marks for defining direct aggression as involving physical contact with intent to harm (e.g., a high tackle in rugby).
Credit distinction of indirect aggression as aggression taken out on an object to channel emotion (e.g., smashing a tennis ball).
Candidates must explain the mechanism of management strategies: deep breathing (physiological regulation), mental rehearsal (cognitive visualization), and positive self-talk (psychological reframing).

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have identified the type of aggression correctly (AO1). To improve, apply this to a specific game situation (AO2)."
"Your definition of Indirect Aggression is vague. Specify that the aggression is taken out on an object, not the opponent."
"When suggesting Deep Breathing, explain *why* it works (lowering heart rate/somatic arousal) to access higher marks."
"Differentiate clearly between 'intent to harm' and 'forceful play' to ensure your examples are valid."
"You defined direct aggression correctly, but your example lacked the element of 'intent to harm'."
"Specify 'mental rehearsal' rather than generic 'thinking about the game'; use the correct terminology."
"Link the management strategy to the specific demands of the sport—why is deep breathing appropriate for a penalty kick?"
"Evaluate the limitations of the strategy—does positive self-talk work effectively in a fast-paced invasion game?"

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award 1 mark for defining Direct Aggression as involving physical contact with intent to harm another player (e.g., a high tackle in rugby).
Credit responses that define Indirect Aggression as aggression channelled at an object to gain advantage or intimidate (e.g., smashing a tennis ball).
Candidates must link Deep Breathing to somatic anxiety reduction (lowering heart rate) to control aggressive impulses.
Award marks for Mental Rehearsal/Imagery where the candidate describes visualizing a calm performance or successful outcome to reduce arousal.
Credit Positive Self-Talk for replacing negative thoughts with positive statements to maintain focus and reduce frustration.
Award marks for defining direct aggression as involving physical contact with intent to harm (e.g., a high tackle in rugby).
Credit distinction of indirect aggression as aggression taken out on an object to channel emotion (e.g., smashing a tennis ball).
Candidates must explain the mechanism of management strategies: deep breathing (physiological regulation), mental rehearsal (cognitive visualization), and positive self-talk (psychological reframing).
In extended responses (AO3), credit evaluation of strategy suitability for specific sports (e.g., deep breathing is better for closed skills like penalties than dynamic play).

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Always explicitly state whether the aggression is Direct or Indirect before giving the sporting example.
💡When discussing management strategies, explain the mechanism: Deep Breathing lowers physiological arousal; Imagery refocuses the mind.
💡In 6-mark extended responses, evaluate the suitability of a strategy for a specific sport (e.g., Deep Breathing is easier in closed skills like archery than in dynamic play).
💡Use the term 'intent' when defining Direct Aggression to distinguish it from accidental collisions.
💡When asked for a strategy, use the exact specification terms: Deep Breathing, Mental Rehearsal/Imagery, Positive Self-talk.
💡For 'Apply' questions, ensure the example clearly demonstrates the type of aggression (e.g., 'hitting the ball hard' is insufficient; 'hitting the ball hard to intimidate the opponent' shows intent).
💡In 6-mark questions, link the aggression type to the personality type (Introvert/Extrovert) if relevant, then evaluate the management strategy.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'assertiveness' (playing within rules with high energy) with 'aggression' (intent to harm or outside rules).
Stating that Indirect Aggression involves no physical force; it involves force applied to an object, not a person.
Describing management strategies vaguely (e.g., 'calm down') without naming the specific technique (e.g., 'Deep Breathing').
Failing to link the management strategy to the specific type of arousal (somatic vs. cognitive) being controlled.
Confusing indirect aggression with verbal aggression; indirect must involve an object.
Listing 'counting to ten' or 'walking away' as strategies; OCR specifically requires deep breathing, mental rehearsal, or positive self-talk.
Describing the strategy without applying it to the specific sporting context provided in the scenario.

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Differentiation of Aggression (Hostile/Instrumental) vs. Assertion

Theoretical Aetiology (Instinct, SLT, Frustration-Aggression, Aggressive Cue)

Antecedents of Aggression and Management Strategies

Differentiation of Aggression Types (Hostile, Instrumental, and Assertive Behaviour)

Etiological Theories (Instinct, Frustration-Aggression, Aggressive Cue, Social Learning)

Antecedents of Aggression and the Catharsis Hypothesis

Strategies for Elimination and Management (Cognitive, Somatic, and Behavioural)

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Define

Describe

Explain

Apply

Analyse

Evaluate

Identify

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