Media Violence

University of Phoenix Material

Appendix C

Final Exam

* Access the Electronic Reserve Readings link in the Week Five section of your student Web site.

* Select one of the following topics and read both articles that present opposing sides of the argument surrounding that topic.

* Animal experimentation

* Outsourcing

* Media violence

* Answer the following questions in paragraphs of approximately 100 words demonstrating your critical and creative thinking skills.

1. Identify if the topic you chose—as presented by both articles—is a problem or an issue, and explain what makes it a problem or an issue. If you believe the articles present both problems and issues, identify and explain what the problems are and what the issues are.

I would have to argue that it is an issue, since there is active and unresolved (not to mention legal) debate over whether or not violence in the media actually causes harm to society or individuals. For example, and as a comparison, guns in criminal hands is a problem because the threat to individuals and society is direct and real, and there is little if any debate on that.

Not to say that the only criteria for something being an issue as opposed to a problem is controversy or debate. The other added element with violence in the media is that it is very difficult, if not impossible; to ever prove a direct cause and effect link, or even a periphery influential link, between violent images and violent actions undertaken by those who view them. This most likely permanently places this subject in the category of issue rather than problem.

Not to mention the fact that violent criminals we cannot ignore, should they choose to assault us. We can turn off the TV or walk out of the movie.

2. Were the problems or issues expressed effectively? Describe how the problems or issues were or were not best expressed.

Yes, the issue was expressed effectively. The issue...