A - Social Learning Theory Flashcards
How is aggression caused according to this theory?
Learnt by observing role models then imitating them
What is the process of learning aggression?
Attention: model observed/paid attention to
Retention: observer remembered actions
Reproduction: observer must be capable of copying
Motivation: observer must want to copy
What is Reinforcement?
Children learn the consequences of actions, for behaviour to be imitated, it must be seen as rewarding
What is Vicarious Reinforcement?
Individual observes another being rewarded (reinforced) for a behaviour - the individual learns behaviour which are worth repeating
What is Direct Reinforcement?
The child is directly rewarded for the copied behaviour so is likely to repeat again
What is Self Efficacy?
Alongside forming expectations for outcomes, children gain confidence with each repetition in their ability to carry out the action - a child who believes they can do it has high self efficacy
Why may imitation increase?
If model has power/status
If the individual sees themselves similar to the model
What did Bandura, Ross and Ross find to support SLT?
Found children who had watched the aggressive adult behaved more aggressively than control group. 1/3 repeated the models verbal responses in model group, boys imitated more physically agressive
What is a weakness of Bandura, Ross and Ross’ study?
Lacked ecological validity as children don’t ted to watch adults playing with inflatables - usually on TV
Theory nos as reliable/supported
What did Bandura and Walters find to support SLT?
Found if a child see’s another rewarded for aggressive behaviour then they are more likely to repeat it
Concluded that children had learned the behaviour, but only those who saw it being rewarded were motivated to repeat it
What is a weakness of Bandura and Walters study?
Only used 72 American children - cannot explain aggression in all cultures
How can this theory be applied to real world?
Case of James Bulger
Explains why the crime was committed due to their upbringing and role models
Robert: father abandoned him after being in prison for violent crimes
Jon: hyperactive/aggressive at school, bullied, copied Robert
What is a weakness of this theory being applied to real world?
Deterministic - just because role models are aggressive, doesn’t mean the child will be too
How is this theory environmentally reductionist?
Only suggest behaviour is caused by outside factors (role models)
Ignores biological reasons, e.g. boys have more testosterone = more aggressive
