Social Learning Theory- Aggression

Question 1

describe the theory as a view of aggression- Ao1

Answer 1

its a cognitive view of aggression and suggests we can learn aggression through observation and imitation of aggressive role models

Question 2

whats important in determining whether a new behaviour is acquired?

Answer 2

meditational processes- mentally processing informations and considering consequences of behaviour

Question 3

name the meditational processes and link to aggression

Answer 3

attention- interested in behaviour so watch: if aggression will get attention

retention- form mental representations

reproduction- believe can reproduce, self-efficacy: am i able to perform that aggression?

motivation- the will to perform the behaviour, vicarious reinforcement: have to want to be aggressive

Question 4

AO3- research support from Bandura (1961)

Answer 4

found: if children saw an aggressive role model they replicated that aggressive behaviour. children who saw a non-aggressive role model were also non-aggressive

Question 5

how does research support from bandura support SLT as an explanation of aggression

Answer 5

gives evidence that child use adults as role models an will imitate their behaviour- lead to further elaboration of behaviour

Question 6

Practical applications AO3

Answer 6

• has useful practical applications
  -suggests learnt if observes so don’t let children observe it
• led to legislation
  -now: age restrictions on films and watershed prevent children from observing aggressive behaviour, reduces likelihood being aggressive

HOWEVER
-in adults, repercussions for bad behaviour may prevent them for repeating observed behaviours

Question 7

research to refute AO3- Brengden (aggression in twins)

Answer 7

found: strong positive correlation (+0.79) found in MZ twins on physical aggression (higher than DZ) scores for social aggression roughly same in MZ and DZ

suggests: biological factors (genetics) play some role in physical aggression- refutes idea of aggressive behaviour being learned (complex interaction)

Question 8

gender differences AO3

Answer 8

• can explain
  -80% violent crime = male. men more aggressive

suggest:
men more likely to be exposed to more aggressive role models- gender stereotypes exist and reinforced so can explain gender differences