PSYC 435 Final Padlet by Nicolette Caneda

Neuroimaging

ncaneda011_1 — 2023-11-28 23:29:49 UTC

Neuroimaging is a brain imaging technique that measures neural characteristics of the brain by detecting naturally occurring signals emanating from the brain.

This is done by exposing the brain to radioactive isotopes through these brain images and then processing and understanding the way the brain interacts with them.
Some neuroimaging techniques allow us to see the structures of the brain and others allow us to see different functions of the brain and detect which parts of the brain are actively working.

Neuroimaging used in the article:

EEG - Electroencephalogram:
- Non invasive and uses electrodes that record electrical activity through the scalp which result In synchronized neural activity where the signals result from activity which is called Event Related Potential (ERP).
MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
- Magnetic fields and energy frequencies are exposed to the brain. The responses from the brain are measured in energy expenditure that is detected in this kind of imaging. This energy is then created into an image.
PET - Positron Emission Tomography:
- The patient is injected with a radioactive substance that emits positrons. The gamma rays interact with the brain and captured by the PET scanner. The PET scanners main function is to detect the blood flow of the brain and where the most activity is happening.
FMRI - Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging:
- Same as MRI but focuses on the functions of the brain rather than the structures.

Violent Media

ncaneda011_1 — 2023-11-28 23:30:03 UTC

Can Violent Video Games Play a Role in Violent Behavior?

Brad Bushman from Ohio State University said "You are linked to the violent character. If it's a first-person shooter game, you have the same visual perspective as the killer. You get points when you kill people. If you kill enough people, you get to advance to the next level of the game.

You are also rewarded through things that you might hear. If you kill somebody, maybe you hear, "Impressive, nice shot, you are tied for the lead." And you hear these — praise, and we know that reinforcement increases the probability of behavior."

These games when being played by highly impressionable adolescence increase their vulnerability to dissociation while playing these games and leaving them at a higher risk of repeating these behaviors in inappropriate settings leaving themselves and others in danger.
Violence here is defined as - aggression, purposely inflicting harm on others or injury on others which is the main goal of games like Call of Duty, Sniper Elite and GTA.
In this video the researcher has the participant play 15 minutes of intense violent media then asked him an array of questions regarding his emotions and feelings along with an interesting test of asking him to add pepper to the drink of a competitor to see how violent he would be towards another individual after playing.

Childhood Brain Development

ncaneda011_1 — 2023-11-28 23:30:14 UTC

The reaction of the kids being upset that the parents are turning off the game isn't due to a video game addiction. Looking at the anatomy is necessary to note why these strong reactions happen
Kids cannot control their reactions because they don't have a fully developed prefrontal cortex, as mentioned also in the Hummer article.
Dopamine, the pleasure neurochemical, is also a reason for the frustration felt by the kids. Playing a video game activates the reward mechanism so when that reward mechanism is interrupted, the child gets angry.
Video game developers have added intermittent rewards throughout the games so that the child continues getting the spike in dopamine whenever unlocking a new level.

Interpreting Brain Imaging

ncaneda011_1 — 2023-11-28 23:31:56 UTC

A study found that playing violent video games decreases prefrontal activity during tasks that require control of cognitive processes or behavior
Another study found that teens who played violent video games for 30 minutes had lower medial prefrontal cortex control over the amygdala when presented with violent words
These smaller studies lead the way for important longitudinal studies that allow us to make sense of brain imaging and what violent media does to people

Optimizing Neuroimaging Effects Research

ncaneda011_1 — 2023-11-28 23:32:19 UTC

Neuroimaging is not a one way street; The data that comes from neuroimaging is not the final answer.

There are still many limitations that come from neuroimaging so there are many ways to optimize research.
Some limitations are: poor quality or poorly orders studies, repetition does not get you any more findings, increasing financial and psychological strain, and inability to reliably detect all neuro-ophthalmic disorders.
In order to combat this, it is important to integrate traditional study methods with neuroimaging to get a complete story.

History

apetrescu01_2 — 2023-12-05 02:00:57 UTC

For a bit of background, prior to videogames being created, Bandura's Bobo Doll experiment had discovered incredible findings regarding children and exposure to violent behavior.
The study showed that children can learn by watching others. If they see someone being mean to a doll (Bobo), they might copy that behavior.
Bandura found that we don't just learn from direct experiences, but also by observing what others do. This is called "observational learning."
Kids who watched adults being aggressive to the Bobo doll were more likely to be aggressive too.
The study discovered that kids not only copied the exact actions they saw but sometimes got creative and came up with their own ways of being aggressive toward the doll.
This was an important first step in understanding the effects of violence exposure on the kids who are undergoing sensitive periods.

Summary

2023-12-06 20:21:29 UTC

Neurodevelopment is influenced by a variety of external factors including consumption of violent media.
Brain imaging technology such as fMRI, PET, and SPECT work by allowing us to see what areas of the brain become more or less active in reaction to stimulus such as violent media.
In order to fully understand the effects of violent media consumption on neurodevelopment, research must also take into consideration data from:
- Survey data
- Behavioral measurements
- Physiological recordings
Research has shown that increased exposure to violent media is associated with lower prefrontal control of emotion and behaviors (delayed development of frontal or frontal parietal regions).

Future Directions

2023-12-06 21:11:44 UTC

Neuroimaging research on the effects violent media has on brain development should focus on the following:
- What viewing characteristics are most influential
- Characterizing how violent media consumption affects the brain (what parts of the brain get affected specifically and understanding why)
- Determining what group is most at risk for negative effects.
Implementation of violent media policy recommendation (screen time) and regulations to limit negative long-term effects on the brain
Research should examine prefrontal-limbic interactions to investigate control over aggressive thoughts and behaviors.
How can we use evidence to better understand the connection between media violence and increased aggression?
- Analyzing changes in brain activity and chemical signals.
- Does media violence cause aggression or poorer executive function?
- Are individuals who have weak self-control and worse attention spans drawn to violent media compared to others?
Other things to consider:
- Genetic, family environment, and personality variables
- The influence of positive/prosocial video games or media interactions
- Continuous measurements of television, film, and video game habits across individuals.