Literature Review

Lowenstein (2005) supports the view that video games do not cause people to commit acts of violence: “I don't think video games inspire people to commit crimes. If people have a criminal mind, it's not because they're getting their ideas from the video games.” Another researcher, Ferguson (2009) who works for the A&M International University agrees with this view: “ Video games present something of a 'straw man' by which politicians can create an appearance of taking action against crime.” Therefore, politicians use video games to take the blame for violence rather than addressing the real causes. However, the video game industry denies any link between video games and violence. The World Today (2000) states that “There is absolutely no evidence, none, that playing a violent video game leads to aggressive behaviour.” But although many think that it “is now clear that playing violent video games increases aggressive behavior and decreases prosocial behavior in children and in young adults. There is much more work needed, however.” (Calvert. et al., 2002).

Violence in Video Games

I have finally decided that for my essay I am going to write about:

"Do violent video games have an influence on those who play them?"

As I am unsure of the answer to this question myself completely (even though in most cases I think that it does not influence people) and because I am intrigued to research further into this topic, this was the deciding factor into what my essay is going to be about.

Essay Ideas

Never thought I would have this problem but I actually have way too many ideas for my essay. Have narrowed it down into categories of areas that I could write about, which just caused more ideas! Guess it's not a major problem, will probably do one of the gaming topics (as I've become a bit of a geek lately) and although I love music I'm not as keen on some of the ideas. So instead of doing a brainstorm have just bullet pointed my ideas. If anyone has any idea which one I should do please leave a comment, as I hope to know which one to do in a couple of days.

Gaming

• CGI/improvement of graphics and visual effects
• The different gaming platforms and their advantages/disadvantages
• Achievements/trophies impact on gaming
• History lessons in video games
• Violence in video games and their influence
• Bringing old classic games back onto newer consoles
• Music and video games
• Mobile/portable gaming
• Active gaming (Kinect, PS3 Move, Wii etc.) and where it all began
• The line between gaming and movies
• Games based on movies
• Is gaming becoming a more social activity?
• Online gaming

Music

• The line between music videos and short films
• The decline of CDs and the rise of downloading, illegal and otherwise
• Live music – Gigs and Festivals
• Soundtracks' influence on the industry (gaming, TV and movie soundtracks)

Television

• Advancing from DVD to Blu-Ray – what's next?
• Influence of the media on our generation and the younger generation
• Movies based on comic books and game

3D

• 3D television
• 3D in the cinema
• 3D gaming
• What's next for 3D technology?

Learning Styles

After filling out the 'VARK' Questionnaire, the results concluded that I am a Read/Write.

5 Vs
1 A
6 Rs
4 Ks

However, I was very close to being a visual learner too. These results do reflect the way I learn because I like to read and write things during my own study time, however, I like to use lots of visual cues such as colour and underlining certain parts so that I remember things better. During tutorials and lectures, I prefer visual cues on a presentation as well as writing. Reading things through more than once does help to reinforce my learning, as does writing the most relevant points down. Even though it may take longer, I also prefer to write down my notes rather than typing them out, as I can then use my own layout on the page and for some reason I learn things more this way and actually take in the information, rather than just copying it.
So even though my score favoured the more Read/Write learning style, I think that I am equally a visual learner.

After taking the Myers and Briggs indicator test during the lecture yesterday, my results showed that I am 2% of the population that is INFP. This means that I am an idealist and very loyal. Curious, quick to see possibilities, and seek to understand people and to help them fulfill their potential. Adaptable and flexible. I can agree with this description.

SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis Resource Sheet

STRENGTHS Punctual Hard working Enthusiastic Friendly Team-player Can stick to deadlines Decent ICT skills	WEAKNESSES Hearing impairment Can be perceived as too quiet Haven't studied a high level technology subject for over a year Messy handwriting
OPPORTUNITIES The skills needed to get a good job in a field that I am interested in A sense of responsibility A taste of what the real world is like The ability to meet a deadline Learning how to live with others and look after yourself/your home How to work well with others, even if your ideas may conflict	THREATS Funding/money issues Stress from work overload Not completing work on time and having it all mount up Failing assignments

My Learning Line

This is my learning line, showing all of the parts of my life that I have learned something valuable from. Including education, jobs and other training that I have taken.

(Please click the picture to get a better view - my word processor wasn't letting me paste it directly so had to take a screen shot and post it as an image instead).