Social learning theory - Social explanation of aggression

Direct learning:

The child who steals the toy of another child will learn that it gets them results (getting the toy) the child will repeat this to get the same results

Indirect learning:

Vicarious and observational learning - children observe behaviour of aggressive role model and will observe the consequences. If the role model is positively rewarded the the child will copy the behaviour.

Meditational processes:

Attention - see

Retention - recall

Reproduction - how?

Motivation - why?

Self efficacy:

Extent to which we believe our action will achieve a goal. For example a child who hits another child to get a toy will see it comes easy to them due to their aggressive behaviour. Childs sense of self efficacy develops with every successful outcome.

Bandura’s bobo doll study:

Young children watched the Bobo doll being hit. They then went into the room where the doll was and began to hit the doll. This shows how aggression can be learnt through watching actions.

Cultural differences

!Kung sang tribe - direct reinforcement is unlikely because their social norms do not encourage aggressive behaviour. Aggressive role models are not there to observe so how can they be aggressive? Aggression is punished but still occasionally happens.

Genetic factors ignored

Brunner (1993) Dutch family who all had low levels of the MAOA gene they had committed violent crimes. This was because they were unable to breakdown serotonin in the brain.

Research support

Poulin and Boivin (2000) found that aggressive boys formed friendships with other aggressive boys. This was because boys were exposed to models of aggression and the consequences. This reinforces gang culture.