3.4.5.2 Social Learning Theory

• SLT = considers both cognitive and environmental factors; aggressive behaviour learnt through rewards & consequences
• Bandura (1965) - Bobo doll experiment, children observed an adult acting aggressively towards the doll or passively playing with it.
• Self-efficacy = the extent to which we believe our actions will achieve a desired outcome
• Bandura et al (1961)

  • Aim = influence of behaviour on children
  • Method = young children observed an aggressive or non-aggressive role models & then were allowed to play with a Bobo doll & a selection of aggressive/non-aggressive toys
  • Results = most children imitated behaviour they observed by the role model
  • Conclusion = children imitate modeled behaviour
• Strength of SLT as an explanation for Aggression

  • Practical Value = reduce aggression by rewarding non-aggressive role models
  • Research Support = Poulin & Boivin (2000); behaviour mutually reinforced by modelling; reward = 'gang' approval
• Weakness of SLT for Aggression

  • Weak explanation = Boivin and Poulin (2000); does not explain reactive aggression; RA = unpredictble, more negative
  • Biological Influences = neural, evolutionary, ethological, genetic, hormonal explanations