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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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