Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

1. Bandura- aggressive behaviour is learnt via

   • Direct experience
   • Vicarious reinforcement

2. Main Processes- Attention, Retention, Production and motivation

   • Self Efficacy- individuals belief about whether observed behaviour is within their capability

3. Media violence- Huesmann- influenced by whether observed behaviour is thought to be real, viewer identifies with agressor and if aggression is successful

4. Vicarious Learning- Bandura= distinction between learning and performing

5. EVALUATION

   • Bandura found watching aggressive cartoons as much aggression as watching film/live aggression
   • Patterson
   • Philip
   • research has high reliablity eg Bandura
   • Mead
   • research lacks eco val
   • nature/nurture debate- reductionist ignore biology
   • Ethics- wrong to encourage aggr in children