Social learning theory

Suggests that we also learn by observing others (Bandura and Walters,1963)

Observation

Aggressive behavior is learnt through observing and the imitating . Whereas Skinner claimed that learning takes place through direct reinforcement (operant conditioning)

Vicarious reinforcement (indirect)= Children learn about the consequences of agg behavior by watching children being reinforced or punished.

Mental representation

Bandura (1986) claimed that in order for SLT to take place the child must form mental representations of their social environment. The child must also form expentancies for future behaviour

If the reward from the behavior is greater than the punishment then the child is more likely to repeat

Production of behaviour

Maintenance through direct experience

If a child is rewarded for behaviour they are more likely to repeat it. e.g. if a bully is successful and doesn't get in trouble then they are more likely to repeat the behaviour.

Self efficacy expectancy

Child develop confidence in carrying out their aggressive actions. (high self efficacy)

Those who failed in the past have a lower self efficacy

KEY STUDY Bandura et al (1961)

Procedure

Male and female children, aged 3-5

1/2 exposed to aggressive model attacking Bobo Doll. Other 1/2 exposed to none aggressive models.

The children were then taken into a room with a Bobo doll and were allowed to do what they wanted.

Findings

Aggressive condition- Children were more physically and verbally aggressive towards to doll . 1/3 repeated the models aggression

Non aggressive condition- Children displayed no aggressive behaviour towards the doll

Evaluation

Lack of realism in research

Support for SLT

Methodological issues with the Bobo doll experiment- A doll is not a human so doesn't retaliate when hit. So there were questions as to whether this accurately represents aggressive immitation

Bandura responded by having children watch a film of a live clown with an adult model hitting the clown, when the children were then put into a room with a clown they proceeded to imitate the behaviour

Gee and Leith (2007)- studied ice hockey players by analysing penalty records from 200 games of NHL in North America.

They believed that players from North America were more likely to have been exposed to aggressive behaviour and were less likely to be punished for their actions in comparison to Europe players.

They found players from North America were more likely to be penalised for aggressive play compared to other countries

Cultural differences in aggression

!Kung San- aggression is rare because when child argue or fight parents neither reward nor punish them, instead they separate them and get them to concentrate on other things.

Parents don't physically reinforce so therefore there is no motivation for these children to behave aggressively, supporting the cultural differences in aggression.

Ethical issues= Doesnt protect parents from harm as the experiment is allowing children to behave aggressively so therefore it couldn't be replicated today