4.1.9 - Bobo doll experiment - Vicarious Reinforcement

A:

To investigate whether observing a model being rewarded or punished affects a child’s likelihood of imitating aggressive behaviour

Procedure and sample?

Children 4-6 years old

• Each child watched a film showing an adult model behaving aggressively towards a watched Bobo doll

  • Hitting with a hammer

  • Kicking

  • Verbal aggression

Children placed in 3 condition:

Reward:

• Model was praised and rewarded like given sweets

Punishment:

• Model was told off and punished

No consequence:

• Model received no reward or punishment

After watching the film:

• Children were taken to a room with doll and toys, behaviour was observed and recorded

R:

Reward:

• Highest level of imitation

Punishment:

• Lowest Imitation

No consequence:

• Moderate Imitation

HOWEVER:

• When children were later offered rewards for copying behaviour groups showed similar aggression

C:

• Children learn behaviour through observation even without performing it

• VR affects whether behaviour is performed not learnt

• Support SLT distinction between learning (cognitive) and performance

AO3: Strengths?

Strengthens Validity of SLT:

• Clearly shows role of observation, imitation and VR

Controlled experiment:

• Standardised film and conditions = high internal validity = clear cause and effect

AO3: Weaknesses?

Demand Characteristics:

• Children may behave how they think they are expected to = reduces validity

Ignores biological factors:

• Doesn’t consider hormones and genetic predispositions - SLT may be incomplete - only considers environmental learning

Ethical Issues:

• Children exposed to aggressive behaviour - potential psychological harm