http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=KHi2dxSf9hw
Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson you should be able
to:
describe Social Learning Theory
apply Social Learning Theory to aggression
describe Research Studies to support the
social learning theory of aggression
It has been estimated that
a child entering secondary
school will have seen 8,000
murders and 100,000 other
violent acts on TV.
Eron (1995)
Social Learning Theory
Key Terms
Observational Learning
Vicarious (Indirect)
Reinforcement
Vicarious (Indirect)
Punishment
Model
Imitation
Mental Representation
Graphic Organiser
(Cognition)
Research Study
Bandura et al. (1961)
Video Clip
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bandura+bobo+doll&search_type=
Social Learning Stages
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
Model Characteristics
Age
Gender
Status
Exam Question
Describe the social learning theory of
aggression. [8 marks]
Exam Board Mark Scheme
The role of direct reinforcement in aggression
The role of indirect reinforcement in aggression
The role of observational learning
Modelling (e.g. stages, characteristics of the
role model)
Key studies into the social learning theory of
aggression (e.g. Bandura et al’s ‘Bobo doll’ study)
Review
True - False
1
Social learning theory explains
how behaviour is learnt by
observing others.
2
A child is more likely to imitate
the behaviour of a model who is
younger than them.
3
Vicarious reinforcement is when
the child is directly rewarded for
copying the models behaviour.
4
Social learning theory fails to take
into account the role of cognitive
factors.
5
Balama et al. (1961) conducted a
research study to investigate the
effects of social learning on
aggression in children.
6
Social learning theory can explain
how behaviour can be learnt
without necessarily being
performed.
7
The children were split into 3
groups in the Bobo Doll
experiment.
8
Girls are more likely to imitate
male models as males are generally
more aggressive.
9
Social Learning Theory only
involves both direct and indirect
reinforcement.
10
Children are more likely to show
aggression if they observe
someone being punished for
aggressive behaviour.