social learning theory

• direct and indirect learning

  positive reinforcement- behaviour more likely to occur as positive outcome e.g snatch a toy they get to play with it, will repeat

  negative reinforcement- snatch toy leads to grounded less likely to occur
• observational learning

  role models- siblings, parents, peers children will observe the behaviour but also the consequences using vicarious reinforcement
• meditational process

  attention, retention, motivation and reproduction

  needed for observational learning to take place
• self-efficacy

  extent to wether we believe our actions will achieve desired goal

  e.g child hits others to get a toy

  learn this ability comes easy to them and confident that the aggression will work so will continue
• strengths

  supporting research- Bandura BoBo doll experiment aggression learnt from role models

  acknowledges cognition- elements of free will

  real life application- film certificates and age ratings
• weakness

  underestimates biological factors e.g hormone levels

  cultural differences come norms encourage aggression