Social psychological explanations of human aggression Flashcards
What is the frustration-aggression hypothesis?
The frustration-aggression hypothesis suggests that aggression is a result of frustration from being blocked from achieving a goal Frustration creates an aggressive drive which leads to aggressive behaviour
What did Harris (1974) find regarding the frustration-aggression hypothesis?
Harris (1974) found that people became more aggressive when a confederate pushed in front of them in a queue especially when they were closer to the front of the queue This supports the frustration-aggression hypothesis as frustration levels were higher when goal attainment was closer
How does social learning theory explain aggression?
Social learning theory states that aggression is learned through observation and imitation of aggressive role models It involves vicarious reinforcement where individuals are more likely to imitate aggression if they see the model being rewarded for it
What was the procedure of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment?
Children watched an adult behave aggressively or non-aggressively towards a Bobo doll In the aggressive condition the adult hit the doll with a mallet and used aggressive phrases The children were then placed in a room with a Bobo doll to observe their behaviour
What were the findings of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment?
Children who observed the aggressive model were more likely to imitate the aggressive behaviour especially if they saw the model being rewarded Boys showed more physical aggression than girls supporting social learning theory
What is de-individuation?
De-individuation is a psychological state where individuals lose their personal identity and self-awareness in a crowd leading to increased impulsive and aggressive behaviour It is influenced by anonymity suggestibility and diffusion of responsibility
What did Mann (1981) find regarding de-individuation?
Mann (1981) analysed suicide baiting in 21 cases and found that in 10 cases a crowd encouraged the individual to jump This was more likely when the crowd was large and it was dark supporting the idea that anonymity in crowds increases aggression
What did Diener et al (1976) find about de-individuation?
Diener et al (1976) found that children who wore masks and were in large groups were more likely to steal extra sweets in a Halloween study This supports de-individuation as anonymity increased rule-breaking behaviour
What is vicarious reinforcement in social learning theory?
Vicarious reinforcement occurs when an individual observes a model being rewarded for a behaviour making them more likely to imitate that behaviour themselves It is a key process in social learning theory
How does cognitive priming influence aggression?
Cognitive priming suggests that exposure to aggressive stimuli can activate related aggressive thoughts and increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviour It explains how violent media can lead to aggression
What is the role of self-efficacy in aggression according to social learning theory?
Self-efficacy refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to perform a behaviour If a person has high self-efficacy for aggression they are more likely to engage in aggressive behaviour because they believe they will be successful
How does anonymity contribute to de-individuation and aggression?
Anonymity reduces self-awareness and personal accountability leading individuals to act in ways they normally would not such as engaging in aggressive behaviour It is a key factor in de-individuation theory
