In a sentence, outline how the Social Learning Theory proposes children learn aggression?

Through observing and then copying the behaviour of a role model.

Who suggested that children observe the behaviour of role models and then imitate it?

Bandura

What is Indirect (vicarious) reinforcement?

Children learn about the consequences of aggression through watching others be reinforced or punished.

Describe the role of Mental Representations in

Social Learning Theory?

Children must form a mental representation of events in their environments and possible rewards/punishments for certain responses. If the appropriate opportunity arises, the child will repeat the learned behaviour as long as the liklihood of reward is greater than punishment.

What is maintenance through direct experience?

If a child is rewarded for a behaviour, they are likely to repeat it again in similar situations.

Name the Psychologist carrying out the BOBO dolls study?

Bandura et al.

Outline Bandura's bobo dolls study?

Children participants were exposed to adult models interacting with a life-size inflatable doll. Half of the models acted aggressively (kicking, shouting) and the other half played with it calmly. Approximately one third of the children observing the aggression, then repeating the behaviour, resembling the model's.

Name 2 Psychologists supporting the Social Learning Theory and one IDA supporting point?

(B&W, P, CD)

Bandura & Walters

Phillips

Cultural Differences

Why do Bandura and Walters support the Social Learning Theory?

In a later continued study on the bobo dolls one, they found that children who saw the model being rewarded for the aggression were even more likely to imitate the same behaviour. Supports indirect (vicarious) reinforcement.

Why does Phillips support the Social Learning Theory?

Found daily US homicide rates increased following the week after a boxing match.

Name 2 IDA criticisms of the Social Learning Theory?

(Initials: V, EI)

Validity

Ethical Issues

Why is Validity an Issue for the Social Learning Theory?

(include Psychologist = Noble)

Children in Bandura's study may have been aware of what was expected of them (demand characteristics).

Noble reported hearing a child upon entrance to the experiment, saying, "Look mummy, there's the doll we have to hit!"

Why are Cultural Differences a strength of the Social Learning Theory?

Some cultures may emphasise non-aggressive behaviours and so children have no where to acquire the behaviour from.

Why are Ethical Issues a criticism of the Social Learning Theory?

Exposing children to aggressive behaviour with the knowledge that they may repeat it, raises issues of protecting participants from harm.