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Results: Children who observed aggressive models were more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior towards the Bobo doll than children who observed non-aggressive models or those in the control group.

Learning Approach

Psychology Notes

 A Level/AS Level/O Level

Learning Approach

Learning Approach to Behavior: How We Learn From Others

This section explores how our behavior is shaped by what we observe and experience. Think of it like learning a new dance move - you watch someone else do it, then try to copy them. This is the basic idea behind the Learning Approach in psychology.

#1. Observational Learning: Learning by Watching

Think about your favorite sports player. Do you try to imitate their moves? This is a classic example of observational learning, where we learn by watching others.

Here's how it works:

  • Modeling: We pay attention to a model (someone we observe) and their actions. This could be a parent, friend, teacher, or even a character on TV.
  • Retention: We store what we've observed in our memory.
  • Reproduction: We try to copy the behavior we've learned. This might not be perfect at first, but with practice, we get better.
  • Motivation: We're more likely to imitate behaviors that we believe will lead to positive outcomes (like winning a game).

Real-world examples:

  • Learning to ride a bike: You might watch your older sibling first, noticing how they balance and steer.
  • Learning to cook: You might watch your grandma make her famous lasagna, picking up tips and techniques.
  • Developing social skills: Watching how people interact in different situations can help us learn how to behave appropriately.

#2. Social Learning Theory: More Than Just Copying

Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, goes beyond simple observation. It suggests that our cognitive processes (thoughts and beliefs) play a crucial role in how we learn from others.

Key ideas:

  • Vicarious Reinforcement: We learn by watching the consequences of other people's actions. If someone gets praised for a behavior, we're more likely to try it ourselves.
  • Self-efficacy: Our belief in our own ability to perform a behavior influences our willingness to try it. If we think we can do something, we're more likely to learn it.
  • Reciprocal Determinism: This means that our behavior, environment, and personal factors (like our thoughts and beliefs) all influence each other.

Real-world examples:

  • A student might be less likely to cheat on a test if they see a classmate get caught and punished. (Vicarious reinforcement)
  • A young athlete might be more likely to train hard if they believe they have the potential to succeed. (Self-efficacy)
  • A teen might choose to join a particular group because they like the people and activities, which then shapes their behavior and beliefs. (Reciprocal determinism)

#3. The Bobo Doll Experiment: A Classic Example

One of the most famous studies demonstrating observational learning is Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment. Children observed adults either being aggressive towards a Bobo doll (inflating it, hitting it, etc.) or being non-aggressive.

Results: Children who observed aggressive models were more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior towards the Bobo doll than children who observed non-aggressive models or those in the control group.

This experiment showed that:

  • Children learn aggressive behavior by observing others.
  • Learning doesn't always require direct rewards or punishments.

The implications for our lives:

This research has important implications for how we understand the development of aggression and violence in society. It suggests that exposure to violent media and real-world aggression can contribute to negative behaviors.

In conclusion, the Learning Approach highlights the powerful influence of our environment on our behavior. We learn from observing others, especially when their actions are rewarded or punished. Understanding this process can help us make informed choices about who we look up to and the environments we choose to be a part of.

Bonus Notes

Psychology Essay Questions: Observational Learning

1. Role of Observational Learning in Shaping Children's Behavior:

Bandura's Bobo doll experiment demonstrated the power of observational learning. Children who observed an adult aggressively interacting with the doll were more likely to exhibit similar aggressive behavior, even in the absence of direct reinforcement. This highlights how children learn by observing and imitating the behaviors of others, even those that are not explicitly rewarded.

2. Influence of Media Violence on Children's Aggression:

Bandura's experiment and subsequent research suggest that exposure to violent media can increase aggression in children. Children who watch violence in media often learn aggressive behaviors and attitudes, even in the absence of real-world consequences. This is due to the normalization of violence in media, desensitization to its effects, and observational learning of aggressive scripts.

3. Long-Term Effects of Observational Learning:

Observational learning has lasting implications for children's development. It plays a crucial role in shaping their social skills, moral reasoning, and personality. Children learn social norms, values, and behaviours from observing their parents, teachers, peers, and media figures. This has significant implications for parenting and education, emphasizing the importance of providing positive role models and promoting pro-social behaviors.

4. Strengths and Limitations of the Bobo Doll Experiment:

Strengths:

Demonstrates the power of observational learning.
Controlled environment allows for clear cause-and-effect observations.
Ethical considerations ensured participant safety and well-being.

Limitations:

A single experiment cannot provide conclusive evidence.
Generalizability to real-life situations might be limited.
The doll is a contrived stimulus that may not accurately reflect real-life aggression.

5. Ethical Implications of Observational Learning Research:

Research on observational learning in children raises ethical concerns. It is crucial to ensure that participants are not exposed to potentially harmful or unethical content and that their well-being is prioritized. Researchers must obtain informed consent from parents and safeguard children from any negative psychological effects. Avoiding the use of violent or aggressive stimuli is essential, as well as providing support and guidance to participants.


These are brief answers to your questions. Further research and critical analysis will help you develop a more in-depth understanding of these concepts and their implications.

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