Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Bandura + Walters
Aggression cannot be explained using traditional learning theory where only direct experience was seen as responsible for the acquisition of new behaviours
Social Learning Theory
Suggest we also learn from observing others = we learn the specifics of aggressive behaviour
A person’s biological make-up creates a potential for aggression + it’s the actual expression of aggression that is learned
Bandura’s study
Group 1: watch vid of adult being aggressive to doll =
Group 2: watch vid of adult playing nicely
Group 3: No video
All taken to room with toys + toys taken away, then left alone with bobo
Group 1: attack doll
Group 2 + 3: didn’t attack doll
Observation
Children learn their aggressive responses through observation + imitating that bahviour
= Children learn by observing role models with whom they identify
Vicarious reinforcement
Children learn about consequences pf aggressive behaviour by watching others being reinforced or punished
= learn what is appropriate conduct int he world around them
Mental representation
B claimed that in order for SL to take place the child must form mental representations of events in their social environment
Must also represent possible rewards + punishments for aggressive behaviour
C will display learned behaviour as long as the expectation of reward is greater than the expectation of punishment
Maintenance through direct experience
If child is rewarded for behaviour = likely to repeat it
Ethical issues with SLT reseach?
Exposing children to aggressive behaviour with the knowledge that they may reproduce it = Ethical issue of protection from psychological + physical harm
Studies like this = now not allowed = difficult to establish scientific credibility of the theory
Cultural difference in SLT
Aggression is rare in Kung San
There is absence of direct reinforcement + aggressive role models = little motivation or opportunity for children to acquire aggressive behaviours
Validity issues with Bobo doll study
Possible that children were aware of what was expected
Also was on a doll not real person = no hit back
Bandura then used a real clown = same results
Major strength of SLT
Can explain aggressive behaviour in absence of direct reinforcement = through vicarious learning
Does SLT apply to adult behaviour?
YES
Phillips = US daily homocide rates increased the week following a major boxing match = viewers were imitating behaviour they watched
