SP explanations for aggression: SLT Flashcards
1
Q
What is the SLT?
A
- A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
2
Q
How is aggression learnt directly according to Bandura?
A
- through operant and classical conditioning
- e.g. child snatches a toy of another child will learn that aggressive behaviour is rewarding
- makes it more likely that they’ll repeat aggressive act
3
Q
How is aggression learnt indirectly according to bandura?
A
- children & adults observe aggressive models (e.g. peers, media, siblings) and the consequences of their aggressive behaviour
- Vicarious reinforcement> if the models aggressive behaviour is rewarded the child learns that aggression is effective in getting what they want & are more likely to repeat behaviour
- Vicarious punishment
4
Q
What are the four conditions identified by Bandura needed for learning and explain?
A
- attention> basic cognitive requirement is that the observer must pay attention to the model’s aggressive actions
- Retention > observer also needs to remember models aggressive actions to form a mental representation of how behaviour is formed
- reproduction > observer must be able to transform a mental representation into physical action (evaluate ability)
- motivation > observer needs reason to initiate behaviour (reward)
5
Q
What is self-efficacy?
A
- the extent to which we believe our actions will achieve a desired goal
- e.g. child’s confidence in their ability to be aggressive increases as they learn it brings rewards
- self- efficacy develops with each successful outcome to achieve a goal
6
Q
What did Bandura find in his Bobo doll study?
A
- children imitated the behaviour they had seen performed by a model aggressively towards bobo doll without being instructed to
7
Q
What is a strength of SLT as an explanation for aggression?
A
- research to support
- Poulin & Boivin found that aggressive boys aged 9-12 formed friendships with other aggressive boys
- these friendships mutually reinforced each boys aggressive behaviour through modelling e.g. observed eachother successfully using proactive aggression
- exposed to aggressive models and its positive consequences
- SL processes made imitation of aggressive behaviour by boys more likely
8
Q
What is another strength of SLT as an explanation for aggression?
A
- can help reduce aggression (real world app)
- children imitate models when they observe them being rewarded for any behaviour & especially when they identify with them
- one way to reduce aggression is to provide rewarded non-aggressive models e.g. encouraging children to form friendships with children rewarded for non aggression gives them more opportunities to model non- aggressive behaviour
- practical
9
Q
What is a limitation of SLT as an explanation for aggression?
A
- underestimates biological factors
- Bandura argues that the form aggression takes is primarily learned and is the outcome of nurture
- ignores powerful genetic, neural and hormonal influences on aggression e.g. testosterone
- SLT = incomplete explanation for aggression
10
Q
What is another limitation of SLT as an explanation for aggression?
A
- Evidence of aggression gathered through lab studies which are criticised for its contrived nature
- e.g. the bobo doll was designed to be hit > demand characteristics
- unlike real world situations as researchers create ideal learning situations which generally do not exist in reality
- may not tell us anything about human aggression