social learning theory of aggression AO3

• Bandura's bobo doll study

  • three groups of children (aggressive, non-aggressive and no model)
  • found that children who observed the aggressive model produced more aggressive behaviour. aggression was almost non-existent in the other conditions
  • shows that aggressive behaviour can be learnt through observation and imitation of a role model
  • but also, Bandura ignores demand characteristics and participant variables (such as testosterone)
• Poilin and Boivin's aggressive boys study

  • looked at aggressive boys aged 9-12 and found that they formed friendships with other aggressive boys
  • used their alliances to gain resources (which was usually successful)
  • this means that they were frequently exposed to aggressive role models and to the positive consequences of aggression
• The Kung San society

  • discourage aggression and therefore children should not display aggression since they dont have any aggressive role models
  • but some children did display aggression, despite the lack of aggressive role models available
  • this means that there may be more to aggression than SLT suggests, such as biological and evolutionary factors.