AO1: Social Psychological Theories Of Aggression

Question 0

Step 1: Identification and observation

Answer 0

• Influential role models identified, observed and modelled.

Question 1

Social Learning Theory (SLT)

Answer 1

• Aggression is a learned behaviour.

- It is acquired through observing and modelling behaviours, attitudes and emotions of others.

Question 2

Step 2: Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 2

• Role models’ rewarded behaviours are imitated, e.g those leading to power or control over others.

Question 3

Step 3: Operant conditioning

Answer 3

• If an aggressive behaviour is rewarded, it is likely to be repeated. This is maintenance through direct experience.

Question 4

Step 4: Self-efficacy expectations

Answer 4

• Whether we believe we have the skills and confidence to carry out the aggressive acts.

Question 5

Step 5: Mental representations

Answer 5

• We form schema of events, including rewards, punishments and experiences of aggression.

Question 6

Deindividuation theory

Answer 6

• Loss of sense of personal identity.
• Loosening of inhibitions against engaging in behaviours inconsistent with internal standards.
• Used to explain aggression in crowds.

Question 7

Deindividuation: Anonymity

Answer 7

• Less risk of social disapproval.
• Shared responsibility reduces sense of guilt.
• Reversion to primitive behaviour.
• Created by uniforms due to taking on role.

Question 8

Deindividuation: Private self-awareness

Answer 8

• Loss of sense of self, e.g thoughts, feelings, values and morals.
• Loss of personal standards when in a crowd.
• Become reliant on environmental cues, leading to violence.