social learning theory of aggression

Question 1

slt

Answer 1

• proposed by bandura
• explains that learning takes place in social context e.g observation and imitation
• slt can only take place if theres a model imitating the aggressive behaviour , so it can be learnt

Question 2

vicarious reinforcement

Answer 2

• child learns consequence of aggression by watching others be rewarded or punished for it
• aggressive behaviour thats rewarded , more likely to be reinforced than aggressive behaviour thats punished

Question 3

meditational processes

Answer 3

4 that play a big part in learning

attention
retention
motor production
motivation

Question 4

banduras study

Answer 4

children watched
1. adult being aggressive to bobo doll
2. adult being non aggressive

when given toys , children who had seen aggressive behaviour , more aggressive to doll physically and verbally

follow up study

children watched adult behaving aggressively , was then
1. rewarded
2. punished
3. no consequences

given own doll , children who saw aggression rewarded , more aggressive themselves - vicariously reinforced

Question 5

ao3 strength research

Answer 5

p- supportive research evidence

e- Poulin and Boivin , found most aggressive boys (9-12 yr) became friends with other aggressive boys

e- = exposed frequently to models of aggression by watching each other and to do its reinforcing consequences including rewarding approval

l- aggression increases in the same conditions said by slt

Question 6

ao3 neg methodological issues

Answer 6

p- slt meth issues in research supporting it

e- banduras study, aggression shown to doll not real person

e- bandura found = when children watched someone hitting a live clown , they imitate the aggressive behaviour they’d seen

l- so research = lacks realism of aggression seen in everyday life

Question 7

ao3 strength real life application

Answer 7

p- real life application

e- huesmann and eron , show that aggressive behaviour in media= influence child to act aggressively

e- esp likely to happen if aggressive character in media = rewarded for behaviour ( vr)

l- supports slt, shows how behaviour is learnt by observation and imitation

Question 8

ao3 strengths cultures

Answer 8

p- used to explain cultures differences in aggression

e- aggression = rate in children of !kung san of the kalarhi desert / or pygemies of centra africa

e- parents dont use physical punishment on children, aggressive postures = avoided by adults, devalued by society as a whole

l- shows that absence of vicarious reinforcements = little motivation for children to learn aggressive behaviour