Children in the aggressive model group observed an adult behaving aggressively towards a Bobo doll.
Learning Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Learning Approach
Learning and Aggression: How We Learn to Behave
Have you ever wondered why some people are more aggressive than others? It's not just about their personality. Turns out, a lot of it has to do with how we learn! Let's dive into the Learning Approach to understand this better.
1. Observational Learning:
This is like learning by watching others. We pick up behaviors, good and bad, by observing how people around us act. Think about it:
-Example: If you see your older sibling always yelling at their friends, you might be more likely to yell yourself, even if you've never been taught to do so.
2. The Bobo Doll Experiment:
A classic study by Albert Bandura really put the spotlight on observational learning and aggression. Here's how it went:
-The Setup: Children were divided into three groups: -Aggressive Model Group: These kids watched a grown-up act aggressively towards a Bobo doll (punching, kicking, yelling). -Non-Aggressive Model Group: These kids watched a grown-up play calmly with toys, ignoring the Bobo doll. -Control Group: These kids didn't see any model at all.
-The Results: -The kids who observed the aggressive model were significantly more likely to behave aggressively towards the Bobo doll. They imitated the adult's behavior, punching, kicking, and even yelling. -The kids who watched the non-aggressive model or saw no model didn't show the same level of aggression.
3. Key Takeaways from the Bobo Doll Experiment:
-Learning by Observing: We learn a lot from watching others, even if we're not directly told to do something.
-The Power of Role Models: The people we see around us can have a huge impact on how we behave.
-Not Just Imitation: Observational learning isn't just about copying exactly what we see. It's more about learning general principles and applying them in different situations. For example, a kid might not punch a toy like the adult, but they might push their friend instead – they've learned the idea of aggression but applied it differently.
4. Real-Life Applications:
-Media Violence: We're constantly bombarded with violence in movies, video games, and even some TV shows. The Bobo Doll experiment suggests this could be influencing how some people learn to behave.
-Family Dynamics: If you grow up in a household where arguing and yelling are common, you might also be more likely to use those behaviors yourself.
5. It's Not Just About Copying:
While observational learning is powerful, it's not the only factor that influences aggression. Things like personality, genetics, and even brain structure play a role too. However, understanding how observational learning works is crucial for helping us learn how to manage aggression in ourselves and others.
Remember: We can learn to manage aggression by surrounding ourselves with positive role models, engaging in healthy coping skills, and being mindful of the messages we receive from the world around us.
Bonus Notes
Bobo Doll Experiment Analysis:
1. Strengths and Limitations:
Strengths:
Controlled environment allows for clear observation of cause-and-effect.
Demonstrates the power of observational learning, even with symbolic models.
Highlights the importance of social context in shaping behavior.
Limitations:
Artificial setting may not reflect real-world aggression.
Limited generalizability to other forms of aggression.
Ethical concerns regarding potential for harm to participants.
2. Social Learning & Imitation:
The Bobo doll experiment shows how children learn aggressive behavior through observation and imitation. They mimic the aggressive actions of the adult model, demonstrating the power of social learning.
3. Ethical Implications:
The experiment raises concerns about exposing children to aggression. The potential for lasting negative effects on their behavior and development must be carefully considered in future research.
4. Media Violence & Bobo Doll:
The Bobo doll experiment aligns with other research showing a link between media violence and aggressive behavior. Findings suggest that exposure to violent content can increase aggression, desensitize individuals, and normalize violence. These findings advocate for media regulation to protect children from harmful content.
5. Long-Term Consequences:
The aggressive model group in the Bobo doll experiment may face long-term consequences, such as:
Increased risk of engaging in aggressive behavior.
Difficulty forming healthy social relationships.
Psychological problems, including anxiety and depression.
It's important to note that these are potential outcomes and individual experiences can vary. Intervention and supportive environments can mitigate negative long-term effects.