Help me answer the question whether videogames cause violence

[Psychotic]

sundin13 said:

Ah, I wont disagree that it does seem like Ferguson falls strongly behind the opinion that video games do not cause violence, however, that doesn't mean he isn't doing good science. I have found numerous cases of criticism of Bushman and Anderson's work, however I am having trouble finding the same for Ferguson. This is partially due to the fact that Bushman and Anderson's opinions are unpopular in many areas, however, I think it is important to note. A fairly commonly held belief is that the majority of cases reaching a causal link between video games and violence are weak methodologically or have to reach to find that conclusion.

Also of note is the distinction of "violent video games". It is certainly of note to question whether the violence in video games are causing these reactions or if it is due to other factors such as pace of action and competitiveness. I know that I feel quite different playing a fast paced competive game then I would playing a slow paced noncompetitive game, regardless of the level of violence in either. 

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135917891000073X

I think a large chunk of the scientific community agree that factors such as mental health are infinitely more influential when finding a link to real world violence, and a focus on video games can be dangerously misrepresenting the problem.

I cannot disagree with any of this. Conclusions about videogames being big factors in real-life violence are indeed usually methodologically flimsy and that even if videogames did cause violence, there is no doubt it would be a minor factor anyway is very true.

However I don't think we have much good evidence to the contrary either and according to some psychilogical models of how aggression and violence work, it is very possible that there is at least a small indirect effect.