Bandura et al. (1961): Aggression
Learning Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Learning Approach
Learning Approach: Aggression
The learning approach suggests that we learn behaviors, including aggression, through our environment. This means we can learn to be aggressive through observation, direct experiences, and rewards.
Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:
1. Observational Learning (Social Learning Theory)
-The idea: We learn by observing others, especially those we admire or see as powerful. This is often referred to as modeling.
-Example: If you see your favorite athlete react aggressively to a bad call, you might be more likely to act aggressively yourself when facing frustration in a game.
-Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment: This famous study showed that children who watched an adult behave aggressively towards a Bobo doll were more likely to mimic that behavior when given the opportunity, compared to children who watched an adult behave non-aggressively.
2. Direct Experience (Operant Conditioning)
-The idea: We learn through the consequences of our actions. If a behavior is rewarded, we're more likely to repeat it. If it's punished, we're less likely to repeat it.
-Example: Imagine a child who throws a tantrum and gets their favorite toy. This "reward" reinforces the tantrum behavior, making it more likely to happen again.
-Real-World Example: Bullying can be perpetuated through operant conditioning. If a bully gets a positive reaction (like fear or laughter) from their peers after bullying someone, they're more likely to continue this behavior.
3. Vicarious Reinforcement
-The idea: We learn by observing the consequences of other people's actions. If we see someone get rewarded for aggressive behavior, we might be more likely to act aggressively ourselves.
-Example: If you see a classmate get attention and praise for starting a fight, you might be more likely to engage in similar behavior to gain similar rewards.
4. The Role of Media
-The idea: The media, including movies, video games, and music, can play a role in shaping our understanding of aggression and how we respond to it.
-Example: Certain violent video games have been linked to increased aggression in players. Research suggests that these games can desensitize people to violence and normalize aggressive behaviors.
5. Critiques of the Learning Approach
-Biological factors: The approach doesn't fully explain why some people are more prone to aggression than others, ignoring potential biological factors like genetics and hormonal influences.
-Individual Differences: It doesn't fully account for individual differences in personality and how these might influence aggression.
-Complexities of Human Behavior: Aggression is a complex behavior influenced by various factors, and the learning approach might oversimplify the process.
In Summary:
The learning approach provides valuable insights into how we acquire aggressive behaviors through our experiences and observations. While it doesn't provide a complete picture, it highlights the powerful impact of our environment and social interactions on our actions.
Bonus Notes
Learning Approach: Bandura et al. (1961) - Aggression
1. Observational Learning in Aggression:
Bandura's Social Learning Theory posits that aggressive behavior is learned through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. Children learn aggressive behaviors by witnessing others engage in such acts. This includes observing the consequences of aggression, either positive (e.g., achieving a desired outcome) or negative (e.g., punishment). This learned aggression can then be maintained through positive reinforcement, such as gaining power or attention, or vicarious reinforcement, where someone else is rewarded for aggressive behavior.
2. Bobo Doll Experiment:
Strengths:
Demonstrated the power of observational learning in shaping aggressive behavior.
Controlled experiment, allowing for causal inferences between observation and behavior.
Provided empirical evidence to support social learning theory.
Weaknesses:
Ethical concerns regarding exposing children to aggressive models.
The artificial setting of the experiment may limit generalizability to real-world scenarios.
Lack of long-term follow-up on the effects of exposure to aggression.
Contribution:
The Bobo Doll Experiment significantly contributed to our understanding of aggressive behavior by showing how observing aggressive models can lead to aggressive behavior in children. It paved the way for further research on the role of social learning in aggression.
3. Prosocial and Antisocial Aggression:
Bandura's theory can explain both prosocial and antisocial aggression. Prosocial behavior, like helping others, can be learned through observation of prosocial models and their positive consequences. Alternatively, antisocial behavior is learned by observing aggressive models and the potential for reward. Factors influencing the direction of aggression include:
⭐Model type: Observing prosocial models leads to prosocial behavior, while aggressive models lead to aggressive behavior.
⭐Consequences: Positive reinforcement of aggression increases its likelihood, while punishment decreases it.
⭐Social context: Social norms and cultural influences shape the likelihood of engaging in aggressive behavior.
4. Reducing Aggressive Behavior:
Bandura's theory suggests interventions focused on:
⭐Modeling prosocial behavior: Exposing individuals to prosocial models and highlighting the positive consequences of prosocial behavior.
⭐Extinction of aggressive behavior: Ignoring aggressive behavior or withholding reinforcement for it.
⭐Punishing aggressive behavior: Applying appropriate consequences for aggressive actions.
⭐Cognitive restructuring: Helping individuals understand the negative consequences of aggression and promoting alternative, prosocial solutions to conflict.
5. Comparison with Other Theories:
⭐Frustration-Aggression Theory: Focuses on frustration as the primary driver of aggression, whereas social learning theory emphasizes observation and reinforcement.
⭐Evolutionary Theory: Explains aggression as an adaptive behavior for survival and reproduction. However, it doesn't account for the learned aspect of aggression as emphasized by social learning theory.
⭐Biological Theories: Highlight the role of genetics and neurochemicals in aggression. However, they don't fully address the social and environmental factors emphasized by social learning theory.
Unique Contribution:
Bandura's social learning theory uniquely emphasizes the role of observational learning and reinforcement in shaping aggressive behavior. This offers a more comprehensive understanding of aggression, acknowledging both individual and environmental factors. This theory has practical implications for designing interventions aimed at reducing aggression in various contexts.