social learning theory (SLT)

social learning theory (SLT)

1. modelling process

   • aggression can be learned by observing a role model behaving aggressively and imitating that aggressive behaviour
     • role model can be anyone with:
       • significance
         • family, friends
       • status
         • celebrities
       • similarity
         • someone they can identify with
           • eg. by gender

2. mediational processes

   • if the role model is observed being rewarded for their aggressive behaviour, then the observer is vicariously reinforced to conduct the aggressive behaviour to receive a reward
     • eg. boxing > aggressive sport > rewarded for winning = vicarious reinforcement
       • attention
         • watching a boxing match
       • retention
         • remembering the moves the boxer performed
       • reproduction
         • punching and other moves have to be physically replicable
       • motivation
         • boxer wins = rewarded with praise and trophies
           • observer is praised by peers for executing difficult moves

3. evaluation

   • :) evidence to support
     • bandura
       • condition 1: aggressive adult role model
         • showed aggressive behaviour towards the bobo doll
       • condition 2: non-aggressive role model
       • control group: no role model
       • children were then taken to a room, with toys, but were not allowed to play with them
         • gave all children an equal chance of being aggressive
       • the children were then taken to another room with toys and a bobo doll, and behaviour was observed
         • condition 1: more imitation - behaved most aggressively
           • condition 2: very little aggression
   • :) practical application
     • helps to prevent aggression
       • putting restrictions on media
         • eg. films, games
         • stops children observing inappropriate or aggressive behaviour
           • in turn, preventing them from repeating behaviour
   • :( methodology issues
     • most research of SLT as an explanation of aggression came from lab experiments
     • :) tight control over EVs
       • c+e relationship can be established
     • :( lacks ecological validity
       • not realistic to real life > findings may not be relevant
         • eg. bobo doll
   • :( contradicted by the biological explanations
     • looks at aggression from a social view
       • observation and imitation
     • biological looks at internal factors
       • eg. low serotonin levels
         • eg. cherek's study on serotonin-increasing drugs
           • led to less aggression
   • :) evidence to support
     • eg. Kung San people
       • negative attitude towards aggression
         • aggressive behaviour discouraged from childhood
           • children, therefore, don't act aggressively