Topic 6: Criminal psychology - 6.2 Studies — Edexcel GCSE Psychology
Test yourself on Topic 6: Criminal psychology - 6.2 Studies with PEARSON EDEXCEL GCSE practice questions.
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Topic 6: Criminal psychology - 6.2 Studies explained
Charlton et al. (2000) conducted a naturalistic study on St Helena to investigate whether the introduction of broadcast television would increase children's aggressive playground behaviour.
Read the full explanation
Researchers observed children's free-play behaviour across five years, comparing pre-television and post-television data using video recordings. The findings revealed no significant increase in antisocial behaviour, suggesting that cultural factors and close-knit community supervision mitigated any potential negative effects of media violence. This challenges the social learning theory assumption that exposure to televised aggression inevitably leads to imitation in children.
Your focus
- Describe the aims, procedure, findings, and conclusions of Charlton et al. (2000).
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the naturalistic observation method used in the study.
- Explain how the findings of Charlton et al. challenge theories of media-induced aggression.
Topic 6: Criminal psychology - 6.2 Studies exam tips
Marking Points
- Identify the aim of the study: to investigate the effects of introducing broadcast television on children's playground behaviour in a remote community.
- Describe the research method: a naturalistic observation using hidden video cameras in school playgrounds over a five-year period.
- State the primary findings: there was no significant difference in the level of antisocial behaviour before and after the introduction of television.
- Explain the conclusion: environmental and cultural factors, such as high community control and close supervision, can prevent the imitation of televised aggression.
Examiner Tips
- 💡When evaluating the study, use its naturalistic setting as a strength for high ecological validity, as children were observed in their normal environment.
- 💡Mention the specific location (St Helena) to explain why the close-knit community might have influenced the results and limited generalisability.
- 💡Contrast Charlton's findings with laboratory studies of aggression to evaluate the role of media violence in criminal psychology.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing Charlton et al. with Bandura's Bobo doll study. Correction: Charlton et al. was a naturalistic observation in a real-world setting (St Helena), whereas Bandura conducted a controlled laboratory experiment.
- Stating that television increased aggressive behaviour in the study. Correction: The study found no significant increase in antisocial behaviour after television was introduced.
- Believing the study only lasted a few weeks. Correction: The study was longitudinal, observing behaviour across a five-year period to assess long-term effects.