Pro social Flashcards
Two explanations
Social learning
Parental mediation
Social learning theory states
Pro social behaviour may be learnt through observational learning and vicarious reinforcement. We imitate what we see and then repetition will be based on the feedback we receive from these behaviours
Support for social learning theory
Poulos used an independent groups design and showed children an episode of lassie. The children who saw the child help the dog were more likely to help puppies in distress. Showing that children can imitate pro social behaviour
Criticisms of social learning theory support study
Children are most likely to help when they can copy the exact behaviour, children don’t acquire abstract thought until they are older so the effects may be most prominent when behaviours can be copied exactly
Weaknesses of social leaning theory
Research shows that the media has less of an effect than exposure to real life models and therefore studies lack external validity
Findings with children may not be able to be generalised as adults have more developed levels of intelligence and experiences that may influence the outcomes
Parental mediation
For many children the effects of television are mediated by a parent who can discuss ambiguous messages and disturbing messages. Pro social behaviours are more likely to be imitate when the parent discusses why the behaviours and attitudes and even, sometimes the moral messages are important
Support for parental mediation
Johnson and ettema. Showed 9-12 year olds the TV programme freestyles designed to reduce sex role stereotypes. As a result children behaved less stereotypically - particularly when afterwards they took part in teacher led discussions
Criticising study of parental mediation
Rubenstein studied adolescents who had been hospitalised with psychiatric problems and found that after post viewing discussions they were likely to be less altruistic as adolescents tend to take an opposing view to adults
REBELLION
Sesame Street (parental mediation)
Rice found that parental mediation enhanced the learning effect of Sesame Street and children from higher socio-economic backgrounds appeared to benefit the most
Weakness of parental mediation
Valkenburg argued that co-viewing is only successful when there is instructive mediation. This is when the parent discusses and explains the content post viewing
Developmental factors
Research suggests that the skills needed for the acquisition of pro social behaviour develop throughout childhood then younger children should be LESS affected by pro social portrayals in the media
Criticism of developmental factors
Mares found that primary school children were most likely to be affected by pro social viewing and adolescents the least likely.
WEAKNESSES OF PRO SOCIAL RESEARCH
Artificial conditions
Observations produce demand characteristics
What is categorised as a pro social or anti social message is subjective - superman vs batman?
