social learning theory

• slt & aggression?

  • aggression can be learnt by modelling - observing role model behaving aggressively & imitating that aggressive behaviour
• aggression & vicarious reinforcement?

  • if person observes role model being rewarded for their aggressive behaviour theyre vicariously reinforced to alos conduct same aggressive behaviour
  • so they can get same reward
• when does modelling & imitation occur?

  • if mediational processes occur
• mediational processes?

  1. attention - if observer pays attention to aggressive behaviour displayed by role model
  2. retention - observer must be able to remember aggressive behaviour that was displayed
  3. reproduction - aggressive behaviour displayed must be realistic & able to be reproduced by observer
  4. motivation - observer must be motivated to repeat aggressive behaviour - model may be rewarded
• identifying with role model?

  • this means you are similar to them in some way
  • also means they have some significance/status to you
  • more likely to imitate aggressive behaviour
• 3 * for social learning theory?

  1. evidence from bandura
  2. evidence from william 1981
  3. practical application
• 2 X for social learning theory?

  1. socially sensitive
  2. contradicted by biological explanation
• * evidence from bandura?

  • 3 groups of children
  • condition 1 - exposed to aggressive adult model - continually hit bobo doll - used wooden mallet
  • condition 2 - exposed to non aggressive model - sat & played quietly
  • condition 3 - control - not shown model
  • each child taken to room with bobo doll present
  • c1 - showed more imitation & behaved most aggressively
  • c2 - very little aggression
  • shows if person observes role model behaving aggressively
  • more likely to imitate
  • aggression due to modelling
• * evidence from williams?

  • studied remote canadian village in 1980s before & after introduction of tv
  • found verbal & physical aggression levels rose in childrens playground behaviour after intro of tv to local community
  • shows children learn aggressive behaviour through observation & imitation as violent acts increased after intro of tv
• * practical application?

  • explanation suggests children are likely to imitate aggression theyre exposed to
  • so by decreasing their exposure to aggression can try reduce aggressive behaviour
  • eg implement age restrictions on films & video games
  • can help prevent aggression in real world
  • ensures children not observing & imitating how to be aggressive
  • so less children committ acts of violence when adults
  • less strain on economy to fund criminal justice system
• X socially sensitive?

  • explanation suggests children more likely to imitate media theyre exposed to
  • removes blame from individuals who committed aggressive crimes & places it on media theyre exposed to
  • james bulger killing explained using slt & responsibilty of crime would be given to media - chucky film
  • socially sensitive as may offend his family & friends
  • to ensure blame not removed use of genetic exp can determine any responsibility for actions
  • can be very socially sensitive to victim & their families if perpetrator does not take responsibility
• X contradicted by biological explantion?

  • research on 14 year old girl explains aggression differently using biology
  • summer found that young girl who had tumour in limbic system behaved more aggressively
  • when treated with drugs aggression levels decreased
  • shows aggression is due to problems with her neural mechanisms- biological
  • not due to her observing & imitating role model
  • does not take into account all factors that affect aggression