Bandura et al. (1961)



• Aim: 

  To investigate whether children could learn aggressive behavior by observing adult models.
• Research Method: 

  Controlled laboratory experiment with a matched pairs design. Participants were 72 children (36 boys, 36 girls), aged 37-69 months
• Procedure:

  1. Pre-test: Children's aggression levels assessed and matched across groups
  2. Three conditions: aggressive model, non-aggressive model, control group
  3. Further subdivision by child's gender and model's gender
  4. Stage 1: Child observes adult model in playroom (aggressive or non-aggressive behavior)
  5. Stage 2: Mild aggression arousal (frustration induction)
  6. Stage 3: Child's behavior observed in room with aggressive and non-aggressive toys
• Results:

  1. Children who saw aggressive models made more aggressive acts
  2. Boys made more aggressive acts than girls
  3. Boys showed more aggression with male models
  4. Girls showed more physical aggression with male models, more verbal aggression with female models
  5. Exception: Both genders punched Bobo more after seeing models
• Conclusion: 

  Children can learn aggressive behaviors through observation of adult models, with gender playing a role in the type and extent of imitation.