Social Learning Theory
Bandura (1961) – Bobo Dolls
His reason was to test the idea that children could learn to become
aggressive through intimating the person behaving aggressively.
He took 96 nursey school children aged between 3 and 5 years old
observed an adult behaving aggressive towards a large inflatable doll (bobo
doll). The children were than given the chance to play with a range of toys,
including a bobo doll.
The results showed that the children who observed a same sex model
behaving aggressively towards the bobo doll were more likely to imitate the
aggressive behaviour than other groups. Also, that in general the boys
performed more acts of aggression than girls.
In conclusion this study shoes that children learn aggressive behaviour
through observation and intimation, and that this was most powerful with
same sex models.
Ways of reducing aggression
According to social learning theory if we see models being punished for
aggressive behaviour, we should be less likely to show aggression.
This is supported by bandura (1965) who showed an adult model either
being punished or reinforced for acting aggressively. The children who saw
the model being punished were less aggressive themselves. This study
shows that if children see aggression being punished, they will not copy it.
Research shows that social learning can be successful in reducing
aggression (i.e., Bandura (1965))
Bandura (1961) – Bobo Dolls
His reason was to test the idea that children could learn to become
aggressive through intimating the person behaving aggressively.
He took 96 nursey school children aged between 3 and 5 years old
observed an adult behaving aggressive towards a large inflatable doll (bobo
doll). The children were than given the chance to play with a range of toys,
including a bobo doll.
The results showed that the children who observed a same sex model
behaving aggressively towards the bobo doll were more likely to imitate the
aggressive behaviour than other groups. Also, that in general the boys
performed more acts of aggression than girls.
In conclusion this study shoes that children learn aggressive behaviour
through observation and intimation, and that this was most powerful with
same sex models.
Ways of reducing aggression
According to social learning theory if we see models being punished for
aggressive behaviour, we should be less likely to show aggression.
This is supported by bandura (1965) who showed an adult model either
being punished or reinforced for acting aggressively. The children who saw
the model being punished were less aggressive themselves. This study
shows that if children see aggression being punished, they will not copy it.
Research shows that social learning can be successful in reducing
aggression (i.e., Bandura (1965))
