Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

1. Describe

   • SLT can account for the role of the media as it explains anti-social behaviour being observed and copied
     • cognitive element of choice to copy behaviour
     • 2008 school killings in Finland were linked to song lyrics of a popular cult band
   • the media portrays anti-social role models for viewers to identify with
   • Role models are reinforced/ rewarded for violent behaviour, encouraging modelling
     • Vicarious reinforcement
   • few negative consequences of violence are seen as vicariously reinforces aggression and violence
   • media glamorises violence making it more appealing
     • Video games actively reward game players for violent acts
     • video games are the most likely to create anti-social behaviour and aggression
       • killing is rewarded (Positively reinforced)
       • bodies disappear without consequences (punishment)
   • SLT explains that anti-social behaviour can be acquired through the process of ARRM
     • Attention
     • Retention
     • reproduction
     • Motivation
       • external
       • self-reinforced

2. Evaluation

   • 70-80% of TV programmes contain aggression (Rideout et al)
     • adults watch 38 hours of TV a week
     • Children watch 25 hours a week
   • Bandura (1961)
     • boys are more likely to copy aggression, particularly if observing a male role model
   • Anderson and Dill (2000)
     • participants who play video games are more likely to adminster loud and prolonged blast of noise to opponent
   • Barlett (2007)
     • used mortal combat rating blood scale and affect on participants playing
   • Funk et al (2004)
     • investigated the relationship between childrens exposure to real-life violence and media violence and their empathy and aggression
     • children's exposure to violent computer games and violent films should be limited (no cause and effect)
   • Charlton at el
     • aggression amongst children did not increase with increased media exposure
   • only handful of incidents have ben directly linked to media violence. However, we only have to observe children's play to witness re-inactments of their favourite superhero moves
   • Watching criminal behaviour on TV is more likely to make us fear being a victim
   • Individuals with a predisposition to anti-social/ criminal behaviour are maybe more likely to seek out similar individuals or media. They are anti-social through association rather than copying.
     • difficult to establish a link between observational learning and criminal behaviour
   • anti-social behaviour could be caused by many factors not studied
   • does not explain the high recidivism rates in most countries that use jail and the death penalty as a deterrent