The Effects of Media Exposure on Cognition and Attitudes Towards War

Authors

Edgar Cardoza, University of the Pacific
Palwasha Etimadi, University of the Pacific
Jennifer Jones, University of the Pacific
Alexis Touros, University of the Pacific

Poster Number

38

Lead Author Major

Psychology

Format

Poster Presentation

Faculty Mentor Name

Gary Howells

Faculty Mentor Department

Psychology

Abstract/Artist Statement

Exposure to antisocial or prosocial media (i.e., music, television, and videogames) has been shown to have short-term and long-term effects on one’s behavior and cognition (Greitemeyer, 2011; Gueguen et al., 2010; Smith, 2006). Exposure to prosocial songs can increase helping behaviors and empathy and decrease antisocial behaviors and thoughts (Greitemeyer, 2009). Thus, it is important to examine the effects of exposure to anti-war or pro-war media on cognition and attitudes towards war. Participants were shown a music video about war and asked to write a 50 word description using a list of emotions (e.g, content, optimism, relief, sadness, and disgust) and opinions (e.g, necessary, essential, important, unnecessary, and avoid) about the message of the music video and their feelings about war. Finally, participants were asked to complete a modified version of the Peterson War Scale (Jones-Wiley et al., 2007). Preliminary analysis conducted on a subset of 6 individuals (mean age= 21.3, SD= 2) indicated that exposure to an anti-war or pro-war music video did not impact the type of words that participants used in their description and their attitudes towards war. Results will be discussed in the context of the impact media has on one’s cognition and attitudes.

Location

DeRosa University Center, Ballroom

Start Date

21-4-2011 6:00 PM

End Date

21-4-2011 8:00 PM