Bandura - Social Learning Theory Flashcards
How does the use of social learning influence crime?
Through observation of a role model performing an offence - they will then imitate this behaviour
What did Bandura do in his study?
Group of children - observed a role model acting violently towards a Bobo doll
Three groups - role model was either rewarded, punished or nothing occurred (control)
What were the findings of Banduras study?
When the role model had been rewarded the children who observed this were more likely to imitate the Behaviour than when the role model was punished
What are the strengths of social learning theory?
Research support- Bandura, shows importance of rewards (positive reinforcement)
Real life application- James Bulger case believed to be influenced by the movie Child’s play
What are the weaknesses of social learning theory?
Banduras study is a lab study, meaning that it is an artificial environment and may lack external validity or generalisability
Ignores free will, assumes all behaviour is by experience
