“New research published in JAMA Pediatrics, shows that kids who watched a short movie with guns were more likely to pull the trigger on a real (unloaded) gun following the film compared to kids who watched a movie without guns,” quartz.com reports, using the picture above to illustrate. The study’s all over the news . . .
as it involves kids (children aged 8 to 12) pulling the trigger on a REAL GUN! Not that the media actually read the study. Because if they did they’d see that its authors’ — PhD’s Kelly P. Dillon and Brad J. Bushman — acknowledge that their methodology sucked had fatal flaws major limitations:
Like all studies, this study has limitations. Only 1 modified handgun was available for the participants to find and with which they could engage, but 2 Nerf guns were available. This may have inadvertently invited coplay with Nerf guns but not with the real handgun.
Although the hidden camera could record the entire room, it was stationary and unable to capture all actions of all participants.
Finally, most participants were from suburban or urban neighborhoods, possibly limiting their exposure to and training with firearms. Rural households tend to have a greater likelihood of gun ownership,17 and exposure and experience with firearms may negate the novelty of finding a hidden gun, resulting in less curiosity and play.
We also did not ask parents or participants about previous gun safety training, such as the National Rifle Association’s Eddie Eagle program. Although these programs have been found to be helpful in teaching children to repeat verbal commands, they have also been found to increase the likelihood of children handling found guns. Future research should take into account previous experience and training as a covariate.
Did you catch that? While there’s no formal study proving that the NRA’s gun safety program reduces accidental or negligent firearms injuries or deaths, there is certainly no evidence that the “Stop, Don’t Touch, Tell an Adult” increases the likelihood of children handling found guns.
The study authors’ unsubstantiated, off-hand comment reveals their pro-gun control bias. Not that they’re trying to hide it. Here’s the Introduction:
Nearly 60% of US households with guns do not secure them. If children find these guns, the consequences can be deadly. Most unintentional gun shootings happen at home, typically as a result of children playing with a loaded, unlocked gun. Children in the United States are 10 times more likely to die by unintentional gun shootings than children from other developed countries.
Safe storage laws! Less violent movies! We’re from the academic community and we’re here to help!
Or at least increase the level of anti-gun hysteria to the point where we can force Americans to disarm. And if not disarm, at least render their firearms useless for home defense, removing one major reason to own one. And thus, reduce firearms ownership.
Isn’t it amazing what hoops anti-gunners jump through to make their case seem rational and reasonable? And how slavishly the anti-gun mainstream media repeats their lies, distortions and half-truths?