Which of the following are contextual variables of mediated violence, listed by W. James Potter?

A. Materialism
B. Religious temperament
C. Reward
D. Identification with media characters
E. Motive

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

According to W. James Potter, the contextual variables of mediated violence include Reward, Identification with media characters, and Motive (options C, D, and E). These variables influence how viewers interpret and are affected by violent content in media.

• Reward (C) refers to whether the violent behavior in the media is rewarded or punished, which affects viewers' acceptance or rejection of such behavior.

• Identification with media characters (D) relates to the degree to which viewers identify or empathize with violent characters, influencing the impact of violence on them.

• Motive (E) concerns the reasons behind the violent act in the media—whether it is justified or unjustified—which shapes audience perception.

​Materialism (A) and Religious temperament (B), while potentially influential on media consumption, are not categorized as contextual variables of mediated violence by Potter.

Information booster 

1. Contextual variables help explain why exposure to media violence has different effects on different individuals.

2. Rewarding violent behavior in media tends to increase the likelihood that viewers will imitate or accept such behavior.

3. Identification with violent characters can lead to greater emotional involvement and stronger effects of violence on viewers.

4. The motive behind violence (self-defense, revenge, or aggression) affects the moral judgment of viewers.

5. Potter’s framework stresses that context, not just the presence of violence, shapes media effects.

6. This nuanced understanding helps media producers and regulators create responsible content.