Answer

This study is an experiment. It has two of the basic features that are required for an experiment: First, there is an experimental group (Group A: the children who played Ninja Death Fighters) and a control group (Group B: the children who played Baseball Two-D), and second, subjects are randomly assigned. The other features that are needed are not discussed but can be implied from the other information provided in the description. The independent variable is the type of video game (Ninja or Baseball), and the dependent variables were the number of aggressive acts, aggressive verbalizations, and the number of times the Bobo doll was struck. The research description does not state if the two groups were test simultaneously or if it was conducted double blind. If these features were part of the study then the researchers conclusion could be construed as being fairly valid. If either of these features or both are missing from the study, this would threaten the internal validity. This may account for the researchers conclusion, "that violent television may lead to aggressive behavior in children".

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