Bandura et Al. (1961)

Sociocultural Approach - Children imitating aggression/Bobo doll

AIM

To investigate whether children imitate aggressive behavior observed in adults

METHOD

• Laboratory experiment

• 72 children (36 boys/36 girls), aged 3-6 years

PROCEDURE

1. Children were divided into three groups: aggressive model group, non-aggressive model group, and control group (no model)

2. In the experimental conditions, children observed an adult interacting with a Bobo doll. Aggressive model: hitting, kicking, verbal aggression. Non-Aggressive model: calm play.

3. Children were then taken to a room with toys, including the Bobo doll

4. Researchers observed and recorded imitative aggressive bahaviors

RESULTS

• Children exposed to the aggressive model showed significantly more aggressive behavior

• Aggression was often directly imitated (same actions and phrases)

• Boys showed more physical aggression than girls

• Children in the non-aggressive and control groups showed less aggression

CONCLUSION

• Children can learn aggression through observation, without direct reinforcement

• The study provides strong support for social learning theory

• Behavior is influenced by social and environmental factors