Social Learning Theory (Bandura et al 1963, 1965) Flashcards
Aim: 1963 study
To see if aggressive role models in films and cartoons would have the same effect to real life aggressive role models
Procedure: 1963 study
Sample size and age range
48 boys 48 girls
39 - 52 months old
- Standford University Nursery
Procedure: 1963 study
IV
Role model (either in film, real life or cartoon)
Procedure: 1963 study
DV
Levels of aggression the children displayed
Procedure: 1963 study
How were the children allocated into the groups?
randomly, 4 total groups
Procedure: 1963 study
what were the 4 conditions of the study
Live aggresive condition
Filmed realistic aggression - (Watched adult aggressive behaviour on screening instead of real life)
Cartoon aggression condition - (model dressed as black cat being aggressive towards bobo doll)
Control group - (no aggressive behaviour)
Procedure: 1963 study
What happened after thhe children observed the behaviour from their conditions
1) they were deliberatly frustrated the same way as the original study (shown shiny new toys and told they weren’t allowed to play with them)
2) Children taken into the playroom and freely observed with second observer for inter-rated reliability
Findings: 1963 study
What were the mean total number of aggressive acts displayed
Live condition - 83
Film condition - 92
Cartoon condition - 99
Control condition - 54
Conclusion: 1963 study
Exposure to live or filmed aggression increases likelyhood of imitation in childrens behaviour, even if role model is a cartoon figure.
Aim: 1965 study
consider wheher reinforcement and punishment of an aggressive role model would influence the aggression displayed by observers.
Procedure: 1965 study
Sample size and age range
33 boy 33 girls
42-71 months old
- Stanford University nursery
Procedure: 1965 study
IV
Observed consequence for the model
Procedure: 1965 study
DV
Aggression in the children
Procedure: 1965 study
How were the participants allocated to the conditions, how did they observe the role model
Allocated randomly
- Observed role model behaviour through a film
Procedure: 1965 study
What were the 3 conditions of the study
Model-rewarded condition - (model was praised by another adult and given sweets)
Model-punished condition - (model was yelled at by a second adult and spanked)
Control group (no reward or punishment)
Procedure: 1965 study
What happened after observation
Children deliberatly frustrated again and then taken into play room to be obsered with 2 observers
- all 3 conditions later offered rewards rewards to aggress against the bob doll
Findings: 1965 study
What were the findings of the 3 groups
Model punishment condition - significatly less aggressive than other conditions
Introduction of the reward wiped out the difference, and increased the score significatly for all groups
Conclusion: 1965 study
Vicarious reinforcement reduces imitated aggression. Reinforcement is more powerful influence than punishment
Strength of internal validity of the study
Design of the experiment had clever features to reduce the amount of extraneous variables.
Strength of internal validity of the study:
Example of features that reduced extraneous variables
Observing the child one at a time allowed for researchers to make sure the children weren’t imitating eachother.
Strength of internal validity of the study:
Why are these control variables a strength
We are reasonably sure the observed aggression was due to imitation of the aggressive role model
Competing arguement to the design
Although the design is clever, findings don’t explain aggressive behaviour in everyday life
Competing arguement to the design:
Evidence of this
BAndura’s research only showned the short term effects, and aggression was only shown towards the doll.
What is a weakness of the procedure in both studies
Elements from the procedure could have cued the children as to how they were expected to behave
What is a weakness of the procedure in both studies:
Evidence of this
A report states one child arriving at the laboratory and saying ‘Look Mummy, theres the doll we have to hit’
What is a weakness of the procedure in both studies
What does this evidence suggest
The children had demand characteristics, believed they were expected to act aggressive towards the doll
- reducing validity of the procedures
What is a strength of the application of both studies
It has infromed the development of the Sabido method
Strength of the application of both studies:
Evidence of how the Sabido method is used
Telenovelas tackle specific social problems
- viewers identify with popular characters, characters become role models
Strength of the application of both studies
Is the Sabido method effective?
Researchers show that this has been effective in prompting behaviour change like increasing contraception use
Strength of the application of both studies:
What does this application show
Shows how SLT can be used to promote behaviours that benefit society and the individual.
