A03

• X reductionist

  • reduces behaviour down to its simplest component that all behaviour is learnt
  • pro - allows us to research in great detail so will be scientific
  • con - neglects other factors which could influence behaviour such as personality/biological factors
  • internal
  • does not take into account all other external factors
  • so its not properly measuring relationship between observation & imitation & how we learn behaviour
• * practical applications from ulrich ?

  • has helped us in real world to understand criminal behaviour
  • ulrich suggests that strongest cause for violent behaviour is having fam member who has also committed crime
  • if they have observed role models who are similar to them do certain behaviour are more likely to imitate
  • can use it in real life situations to explain real life behaviour
  • suggests that identifying with role model increases likelihood of us learning behaviour
• * empirical evidence from sprafkin 1975

  • 6 yr olds watch one ep of lassie
  • one group watched pup rescue scence & other no rescue scene
  • played a game/race where prize could be won & pups were there
  • those who watched rescue scene were more comforting than those who didnt
  • boys who watched rescue scene gave up race to helps pups & imitated behaviour they had seen
  • shows behaviour is learnt through observation & imitation
• * less deterministic?

  • sl suggests that we have a choice in whether we imitate a behaviour
  • suggests its not purely down to environment & we have free will in how we behave
  • states we have a choice in how we behave rather than saying that everyone is same & that behaviour is predetermined
  • takes into account individual differences