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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.

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