SLT + aggression

Question 1

how does the social learning theory explain aggression?

Answer 1

suggests aggression is primarily learned, arguing against people being born aggressive

Question 2

what are the 4 stages of the mediating process?

Answer 2

-attention
-retention
-reproduction
-motivation

Question 3

research on the media in explaining SLT aggression

Answer 3

-Cooper + McKay 1986 - video games, 9-10 y/os, found girls were influenced into acting aggressively more than boys, suggesting gender differences in SLT aggression
-Williams 1981 - introduction to TV to kids in remote canada, finding both verbal and physical aggression increased

Question 4

research on the environment in explaining SLT aggression

Answer 4

-Bandura 1977 - kids living in high crime areas have more of a chance of committing crimes
-Guerra et al 2003 - ethnically diverse sample, 4458 5-12y/os, imitation of violence occurred, suggests long term effects

Question 5

briefly evaluate the SLT explanation of aggression

Answer 5

-has good and extensive research support
-research only shows the immediate effect on the observer, not long-term
-aggression levels in a community can be influenced by the environment (eg Amish peace-loving communities, if it was biological this wouldn’t be possible)
-SLT can explain why some people are only aggressive in certain situations (those observed), if it was biological it wouldn’t be so specific