Analytical Robustness and Competing Interpretations in Violent Video Game Research
A Response to Teng and Bushman's (2026) Reanalysis of Lacko et al. (2024)
Dados Bibliográficos
| ID | 21428107 |
|---|---|
| Autores | David Lacko (0000-0002-2904-8118, Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic, autor correspondente), Hana Macháčková (0000-0001-9498-9208, Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic), David Smahel (0000-0003-2767-4331, Interdisciplinary Research Team on Internet and Society Masaryk University Brno Czech Republic) |
| Ano | 2026 |
| Volume | 52 |
| Fascículo | 4 |
| Páginas | e70073-e70073 |
| Data de publicação | 2026-07-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Sim |
| Open Access | Sim |
| Tipo | ARTICLE |
| Periódico | Aggressive Behavior (JOURNAL) |
| Identificadores do periódico | ISSN: 0096-140X • E-ISSN: 1098-2337 |
| Editora | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1002/ab.70073 |
| PMID | 42266085 |
| OpenAlex | W7164133025 |
| Idioma | EN |
| Citações recebidas | 1 |
| Referências citadas | 21 |
Recent debates on violent video game (VVG) effects highlight the importance of analytical robustness and transparency in longitudinal research. Teng and Bushman reanalyzed our prior study, identifying several methodological concerns and arguing that our conclusions were unwarranted. In this response, we examine their reanalysis and assess whether their conclusions hold across alternative analytical specifications and operational decisions. Through comprehensive robustness checks available on OSF, we address concerns regarding model specification, missing data, measurement decisions, and time constraints. We further examine the unexpected empathy–aggression association and alternative VVG operationalizations. While some inconsistencies emerge across different specifications, the results do not consistently support General Aggression Model (GAM) interpretations in this dataset. We further identify inconsistencies and incomplete reporting in Teng and Bushman's presentation of results, data processing procedures, and interpretation of effect sizes. Finally, we argue that the current debate reveals a fundamental theoretical problem: without precise specifications of mechanisms, developmental patterns, and falsifiable predictions, GAM risks unfalsifiability when contradictory findings can all be accommodated as supporting evidence. We advocate for formal modeling approaches to enhance theoretical rigor and predictive specificity in violent media research
Aggression · Longitudinal data · Poison control · Presentation (obstetrics) · Robustness (evolution) · Transparency (behavior) · Video game · Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression · Digital Games and Media · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Sociology and Norbert Elias
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| Obras citantes distintas | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citações por ano | 1 |
| Intervalo de citações | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Velocidade de citação | current |
| Altamente citado | Não |
| Tipos de citação | Neutras: 1 |