Social Learning Theory and Aggression

Social Learning Theory and Aggression

1. Social Learning Theory

   • We learn aggressive behaviours by observing role models with whom we identify
   • Children also learn through vicarious reinforcement
   • Children must also have expectancies of future outcomes
   • Aggressive behaviour can be produced if directly rewarded

2. KEY STUDY: Bandura

   • Procedure: Children exposed to model acting aggressively towards a Bobo doll
   • Findings: Children in the aggression condition reproduced aggressive behaviour resembling that of the model

3. Evaluation

   • Lack of realism in research
     • Bandura's study was criticised for being too artificial
   • Research support for social learning theory
     • Gee and Laith: ice hockey players
   • Explaining inconsistencies in aggressive behaviour
     • E.g. different situations offer different consequences for aggressive behaviour
   • Cultural differences in aggression
     • E.g. the iKung San have very little aggression
   • The consequences of social learning
     • It can lead to perpetuation of aggression but being tackled by ACT Against Violence (APA)