Psychology class: How to read a riot

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  • Aggression

Click the link below to read the and then answer the questions:

How to read a riot

  • The article states that “riots are an assertion of masculinity”. Referring to the article, discuss the evolutionary approach to explaining aggression

  • The article quotes Nigel Farage, who said that riots were “a reaction to fear, to discomfort, to unease that is out there shared by tens of millions of people”. Referring to the quote, discuss the frustration-aggression hypothesis

  • The article goes on to discuss examples of hooliganism. Use your knowledge of deindividuation to explain hooliganism and riots

  • The article notes that “proud” rioters shared “videos of their exploits” online. Discuss the possible role of desensitisation, disinhibition and cognitive priming in the riots

  • The first paragraph refers to Ryan Sheers, who committed violent disorder despite no previous convictions. Use your knowledge of explanations for aggression to explain Ryan’s behaviour. Which is the strongest explanation?

Danny Galbraith, St Bartholomew’s School