Many researchers have investigated the relationship between exposure to violence on TV and aggressive behavior for children. The results from these studies indicate that children who see more violent TV programs also tend to exhibit more aggressive behaviors. Based on the consistency of the relationship and on common sense, it is tempting to conclude that there is a causal
relation between watching TV violence and behaving aggressively. Specifically, it appears that exposure to TV violence causes children to behave aggressively.
However, it is equally reasonable to assume that children who are naturally aggressive and violent simply choose to watch TV programs that are consistent with their personalities; that is, an aggressive personality causes children to watch more TV violence.