Bandura et al. (1961) Core Study Flashcards

Flashcards testing knowledge of the Bandura et al. (1961) study on the transmission of aggression through imitation.

What is the full title and who are the authors of the Bandura et al. (1961) study?

"Transmission of Aggression Through Imitation of Aggressive Models" by Albert Bandura, Dorothea Ross, and Sheila A. Ross.

In what year was the core study by Bandura et al. published?

$$1961$$

What is the primary assumption of the social learning approach in this study?

Behaviour can be learned from the environment by observing and imitating models, and previous reinforcement and ideas about sex-appropriate behaviour can influence whom a child imitates.

What was the main statement of aim in Bandura et al. (1961)?

To investigate whether children would imitate aggressive behaviour shown by an adult model in a new setting when the model was no longer present, and whether model sex and child sex affected imitation.

What was Hypothesis 1 of the Bandura et al. study?

Children who observed an aggressive model would show more imitative aggression than children who observed a non-aggressive model or no model.

What was Hypothesis 2 regarding non-aggressive models?

Children who observed a non-aggressive model would show less aggression than the control group.

What was Hypothesis 3 regarding model sex and child imitation?

Children would imitate a same-sex model more than an opposite-sex model.

What was Hypothesis 4 regarding gender differences in aggression?

Boys would show more imitative aggression than girls, especially after observing a male aggressive model.

What was the total sample size and gender breakdown of participants in the study?

$72$ children: $36$ boys and $36$ girls.

Where were the children sampled from, what was their age range, and what was their mean age?

Preschool children attending Stanford University Nursery School, with ages ranging from $37$ to $69$ months and a mean age of $52$ months.

What sampling technique was reported in the original journal article by Bandura et al.?

The sampling technique was not stated in the original journal article.

What research method and experimental design were used in the study?

Laboratory experiment using a matched design.

What were the three main independent variables (IVs) in the experiment?

1) Model behaviour (aggressive, non-aggressive, or no model/control), 2) sex of model (male or female), and 3) sex of child (boy or girl).

What was the dependent variable (DV) in Bandura et al. (1961)?

The number and type of aggressive and imitative behaviours shown by each child during the delayed-imitation test, recorded across behavioural categories.

What data collection technique was used during the test phase?

Covert, non-participant, structured and controlled observation through a one-way mirror.

How was time sampling structured during the delayed imitation test?

The $20$-minute test was divided into $5$-second intervals, producing $240$ response units per child.

What types of data (quantitative/qualitative) were gathered by the researchers?

Mainly quantitative data (frequency/mean scores for specific behavioural categories), along with some qualitative spontaneous comments made by children about the models.

What happened during Step 2 (model exposure) of the procedure?

For $10$ minutes the child played while an adult model behaved aggressively toward Bobo or played quietly; the control group saw no model.

How was the aggression arousal stage (Step 3) conducted in the procedure?

Attractive toys were shown to the child, then removed after about $2$ minutes and reserved for other children.

What was the inter-rater reliability score for the initial aggression ratings of the children?

$$0.89$$

What was the level of observer agreement recorded during the delayed-imitation test?

In the $.90\text{s}$

What were the mean imitative physical aggression scores for boys across different model conditions?

Boys who observed the male aggressive model had a mean score of $25.8$, compared with $1.5$ after a male non-aggressive model and $2.0$ in the control group.

What were the key findings regarding model sex and child aggression imitation?

Boys showed more physical aggression than girls, boys imitated the male model more than the female model, and male models generally had a stronger influence on aggression.

What main conclusion did Bandura et al. draw regarding observing an aggressive adult model?

Observing an aggressive adult model can lead children to imitate aggressive behaviour later, in a different setting and when the model is absent.

How do the findings of the study relate to the nature versus nurture debate?

The findings support nurture because behaviour changed after observing environmental models.

Why is the generalizability of the study's findings considered limited?

The sample was only $72$ preschool children from Stanford University Nursery School, so findings may not represent older children, adults, other cultures, or different socioeconomic backgrounds.

What methodological strengths contributed to the high reliability of the study?

Initial aggression ratings had inter-rater reliability of $0.89$, observer agreement during the test was in the $.90\text{s}$, and the model's actions, toy placement, and observation categories were highly standardised.

What potential ethical concerns exist regarding the Bandura et al. study?

Potential psychological harm from watching aggressive behaviour and from the aggression-arousal stage, young children could not provide adult informed consent, and consent or debriefing procedures were not reported.