social psychological explanations, social learning theory (SLT)

Question 1

social learning theory
role model

Answer 1

behaviour is learnt via imitation of a role model
role model is likely to be:
someone who cares for the child
authority figure
similar to child e.g gender, age
celebrity with rewarded aggressive behaviour

Question 2

consequences

Answer 2

determine if behaviour is performed
rewarded= learns aggression is effective in getting what they want= vicarious reinforcement (positive/negative)

Question 3

Bandura four cognitive factors needed for observation learning

Answer 3

attention
retention
reproduction, need to be able to carry out behaviour
motivation
first 2=learning behaviour second=performance
possible to learn about aggressive responses not reproduce unless situation causes it
could have a mental representation (schema) internalised and displayed when needed

Question 4

Bandura et al

Answer 4

tested aggression in children
IV- adult aggressive to Bobo doll
DV- number of imitative and non-imitative aggressive acts shown by children
=who witnessed aggressive behaviour=more likely be aggressive
more likely to imitate same sex particularly boy
further research IV- consequence of aggression: rewarded, punished or no consequence
=punished were less likely to be aggressive but if all children offered a reward all did it
supports, vicarious reinforcement important factor for imitating aggression

Question 5

EVALUATION
lack of realism

Answer 5

early research= on sort of experiment
methodological problems, Bobo Dolls
not living person not retaliate
HOWEVER
Bandura responded, children watch film of adult hitting live clown
children imitated behavior

Question 6

EVALUATION
now real-life supporting research
Poulin & Boivin

Answer 6

applied social learning analysis to aggressive behaviour boys between 9-12
most aggressive made friends with other aggressive, cliques as ‘training grounds’ for antisocial behaviour
friendships= long-lasting, stable, mutually reinforcing aggression
alliance against each other to gain resources successfully
frequently exposed to models of physical aggression 7 positive reinforcement & from approval by ‘gang’

Question 7

EVALUATION
explain cultural differences in aggression

Answer 7

Among !Kung San of the Kalahari Desert aggression is rare
when 2 children argue/fight parents don’t reward or punish them
physically separate them and distract attention
not use physical punishments
aggressive posters avoided and devalued by society
no direct reinforcement & no aggressive role models= little opportunity/motivation to learn aggressive behaviours

Question 8

EVALUATION
used to introduce policies and prevent children imitating aggressive behaviour

Answer 8

government can introduce policies that aggressive acts aren’t shown before a time on TV or with a punishment
parenting classes in place to teach ways of discipling their child
found children with aggression problems parents imitated aggressive behaviour frequently and gave into temper tantrums (rewarding aggression)
helped parents be positive role models and praise when behaved well