L7- Social psychological explanations of aggression-SLT Flashcards
behaviourist approach on aggression
Skinnerian
- aggression can be learnt DIRECTLY through operant conditioning- positive + negative reinforcement
Social learning theory
Bandura:
- can be learnt INDIRECTLY through observational learning
- children learn through process of imitation
Vicarious reinforcement
- aggressive acts by role model- internalised, reproduced
- if role models behaviour rewarded, child learns effective way of getting what they want
5 mediational processes
- Attention
- Retention
- Motor reproduction
- Motivation
- Self-efficacy
Attention
-must attend to the aggressor e.g. engages in computer game= attending
Retention
- to model behaviour- must be placed into LTM- enables behaviour to be retrieved
Motor Reproduction
- needs to be be able to reproduce behaviour (physical capabilities) e.g. aggression by superheroes less likely to be imitated
Motivation
- must be expecting to receive positive reinforcement for modelled behavior (reward)
- not necessarily materialistic- higher status
- motivavtion tends to happen through vicarious reinforcement
Self-efficacy
- must have confidence in ability to carry out action and that they will be rewarded
- self-belief
Role models- family
- Bandura believed aggressive reinforcement in form of imitation of family member= most prominent source of behaviour modelling
- parents+siblings= primary role models for children
- through observation, identification, behaviour is modelled
Role models- media
- can provide a source of vicarious reinforcement - can lead to aggresive behaviour being replicated
- can provide child with a ‘script’ to guide their behaviour
Bandura’s study
Procedure
- matched pairs design
-3-5yos (50/50 girls boys)
- 3 conditions: 1. male + female aggressive role model to BOBO doll 2. male + female not aggressive role model to BOBO doll 3. no role model- control group
- taken to room, shown attractive toys, told can’t play with them (induce frustration), play with BOBO doll
Results
- children who saw aggressive role model copied behaviour= supports SLT
Evaluation
+ research support- more bobo doll, Bandura
+ practical application- reduce aggression
- underestimates influence of biological factors
- oversimplified + cultural bias- Christianson- Kung San ppl
- harder to explain reactive aggression
Strengths of SLT
+ research support- Bandura- USA- 3 conditions- 1. filmed aggressive role model 2. cartoon 3. live + control condition- matched pairs(for baseline aggression levels), 96 kids, 3-5- play with BOBO doll, aggressive actions counted- cartoon=highest acts : viewing of aggression not cathartic but led to modelling
+ practical application- reduce development of aggression in kids - kids imitate models when see rewarded- reduce aggression- provide non-aggressive role models (friends/media) = more opportunities to model non-aggression
Weaknesses of SLT
- Underestimates bio factors influence- could be more powerful explanation e.g. genes,neural,hormonal factors- aggression v. instinctive behavior- more based on persons biology than environment? e.g. testosterone
- SLT not as simple as stated- Christianson- Kung San ppl- Kalahari desert- ag behaviour v. rare- no physical punishment- no value placed on ag behaviour- no cultural norms- children dont display ag behaviour= SLT only in western cultures?= cultural bias
- harder to explain reactive agg- when as reaction to external stimulus (jealousy,pain,lonliness)- better explained by F-A not SLT
