Download Explain Social Learning Theory, making reference to two relevant

4.6 Explain Social Learning
Theory, making reference to
two relevant studies
Social Learning Theory
 Bandura ( 1977) suggested social learning theory (SLT) as an extension
of existing learning theories (classical and operant conditioning). SLT is
based on the assumption that people learn behaviors, attitudes.
emotional reactions and norms through direct experiences but also
through observing other humans (models).
 We learn consequences of behavior from watching what happens to
other humans (vicarious reinforcement). Once such information is stored
in memory it serves as a guide to future actions. People are more likely
to imitate behavior that has positive consequences.
 Social learning can be direct via instructions or indirect (e.g. role models
and no direct instructions).
Social Learning Theory
Study 1 : Bandura and Ross (1961) Experimental
investigation on learning aggression from a model
 Study 1 : Bandura and Ross (1961 ) Aim To see if children would imitate the aggression of
an adult model and whether they would imitate same-sex models more than opposite sex
models.
 Procedure
 Participants were 36 boys and 36 girls from the Stanford University Nursery School (mean
age 4.4) who we re divided into three groups matched on levels of aggressiveness before
the experiment.
 One group saw the adult model behave aggressively towards a bobo doll, one group saw
the model assemble toys, and the last group served as control.
 The children were further divided into groups so that some saw same-sex models and some
opposite-sex models.
 The laboratory was set up as a play room with toys and a bobo doll. The model either
played with the toys or behaved aggressively towards the bobo doll. After seeing this, the
children were brought into a room with toys and told not to play with them in order to
frustrate them. Then they were taken into a room with toys and a bobo doll where they
were observed for 20 minutes through a one-way mirror.
Study 1 : Bandura and Ross (1961) Experimental
investigation on learning aggression from a model
 Results
 Children who had seen a n aggressive model were significantly more aggressive
(physically and verbally) towards the bobo doll. They imitated the aggressive behavior of
the model but also showed other forms of aggression.
 Children were also more likely to imitate same-sex models. Boys were more aggressive
overall than girls.
 Discussion of results
 This key study supports social learning theory. Aggressive behavior can be learned through
observational learning.
 It is not possible to conclude that children always become aggressive when they watch
violent models (e.g. on television or at home). Generally, research supports that children
tend to imitate same-sex models more and this is also the case for adults.
 Evaluation The laboratory experiment is low in ecological validity. The aggression here is
artificial and there may be demand characteristics. The children were very young and it
has been criticized for ethical reasons.
Study 2: Charlton et a l. (2002 ) Observation of the
introduction of television in a remote community (St.
Helena)
 Aim To investigate whether children in St. Helena would exhibit more aggressive
behavior after the introduction of television to the island in 1995.
 Procedure The study was a natural experiment. Children (aged three to eight
years) were observed before and after the introduction of television through
cameras set up in the playgrounds of two primary schools on the is land. The
level of aggression in television matched what children in the UK were exposed
to.
 The researchers also conducted interviews with teachers, parents, and some of
the older children.
 Results There was no increase in aggressive or antisocial behavior. This was also
the case after five years.
 Discussion of results The data showed that children did not change their
behavior after television had arrived although they saw the same amount of
violent television as British children.
 The parents and teachers said that antisocial behavior was not accepted
on the island and that there was a high degree of social control in the
community. It shows that people may learn aggressive behavior but they
may not exhibit it for several reasons.
 Social and cultural factors also play a role in what behaviors are
acceptable, so even though the children had no doubt learned aggressive
behavior, they did not show it.
 Evaluation The study investigated a real-life event and is high in ecological
validity. It does not question SLT but rather the results of Bandura and Ross
(1961).The results also confirm the idea that people must be motivated to
imitate behavior.