Overview
This lecture explains Social Learning Theory, focusing on Albert Bandura's research into how children learn aggression by observing adult models, particularly through the famous Bobo Doll experiments.
Introduction to Social Learning Theory
- Social Learning Theory explores how people learn by observing others, not just through direct experience.
- It was developed as an alternative to behaviorism, which emphasized direct reinforcement and punishment.
Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiments (1961)
- Bandura studied 72 children aged 3–5.5 years, split evenly by gender and aggression level.
- Children observed an adult model interact with a Bobo doll, either aggressively or non-aggressively, or had no model (control).
- Aggressive modeling included hitting, kicking, and verbal aggression towards the doll.
- Children exposed to aggressive models imitated both observed and novel aggressive behaviors.
- Children who saw non-aggressive models or no model showed little to no aggression.
- Same-sex models had a greater influence; boys exhibited more aggression after observing male models.
Bobo Doll Experiments: Media Influence (1963)
- Children were exposed to aggression via real life, filmed adults, cartoons, or not at all (control).
- All forms of observed aggression (real, filmed, cartoon) led to higher aggression than control, with no statistical difference between types.
- The medium (real or film) had equal impact; same-sex models were again most influential.
Bobo Doll Experiments: Impact of Consequences (1965)
- Children observed the aggressive model being rewarded, punished, or experiencing no consequence.
- Children imitated aggressive behavior more if they saw it rewarded or with no consequence.
- Observing punishment reduced imitation, though children still learned the behavior.
Implications & Discussion
- Observing aggressive behavior increases the likelihood of imitating aggression, especially if the model is rewarded or the same sex.
- Raises concerns about the impact of media and role models on children's aggression.
- Suggests observational learning is complex and influenced by the observed consequences and model characteristics.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social Learning Theory — The idea that people learn behaviors by observing others, not just through direct reinforcement.
- Observational Learning — Learning by watching the actions and consequences of others' behaviors.
- Role Model — A person whose behavior is imitated by others.
- Bobo Doll Experiment — Bandura's study using an inflatable doll to investigate imitation of aggression.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review features and evaluation of Social Learning Theory in the next lecture.
- Reflect on how media exposure may influence aggressive behavior in real life.
- Optional: Watch additional videos on other approaches in psychology.