Social learning theory Flashcards
what is direct learning
In direct learning bandura acknowledged that aggression can be learned directly through mechanisms of operant conditioning e.g. positive and negative reinforcement and punishment).
what is indirect learning
In indirect learning bandura also realized that aggressive behavior often cant be explained by such direct forms of learning especially in humans. He argued that there is an indirect mechanism called observational learning.
What are the steps by which observational learning leads to aggression, through a process of vicarious reinforcement?
Children acquire specific aggressive behaviors through observing aggressive role models. Child works out how an aggressive behavior is performed but it doesn’t mean they will behave this way. Children observe behavior but also the consequences of the behavior which determine whether they are likely to copy if the models aggressive behavior is rewarded then a child might imitate if they see someone getting punished we see vicarious punishment (indirect). Models can be live (parent, teachers, peers) or symbolic (media. This is vicarious reinforcement
How do Bandura’s 4 mediational processes relate to aggression?
Attention – a person/child must attend to the aggressor. So a child must pay attention to an act of aggression carried out by a role model
Retention- to model the behavior it needs to be placed into the LTM which enables the behavior to be retrieved, a child needs to remember the aggression they have witnessed
Reproduction – the individual needs to be able to reproduce the behavior. For instance aggression displayed by superheroes is less likely to be imitated if the child does not possess the physical capabilities to actually carry out the behavior
Motivation- an individual must be expecting to receive positive reinforcement for the modeled behavior. A child must expect they will get some kind of reward from carrying out aggression. This doesn’t have to be materialistic but could be linked to gaining higher status in the eyes of their peers
How is self-efficacy related to the expression of aggression?
The extent to which we believe our actions will achieve desired goals. A child’s confidence in their ability to be aggressive grows as they learn that aggression can bring rewards.
Explain the aims, procedure, findings and conclusions (APFC) of Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiment.
Banduras procedure was that young children individually observed male or female role models playing with toys this included an inflatable plastic toy called ‘bobo doll’. Some children observed the model behaving aggressively towards the doll (e.g. Throwing, kicking, plus verbal outbursts) A period of frustration followed where the children were not allowed to play with the toys. Children were then taken to another room where there was a Bobo doll and other toys including ones the model used. In Banduras findings children in the aggressive model condition closely imitated the behavior they observed directly copying the use of specific objects and verbal phrases. Boys were more likely than girls to imitate the same-sex model the boys were more physically aggressive but there was no gender difference in verbal aggression. Children in the non-aggressive condition showed almost no aggression later
