Social explanations of aggression

Question 1

According to the social learning theory…behaviour is learned through?

Answer 1

Observation and imitation of models

Question 2

Name the factors influencing observational learning of aggression

Answer 2

• Identification
• Vicarious reinforcement

Question 3

Name the 4 mediational processes needed for a person to imitate aggression

Answer 3

• attention
• memory
• reproduction
• motivation

Question 4

Outline the social learning theory explanation of aggression

Answer 4

Social Learning Theory states that we learn aggressive behaviour through observing models who are acting aggressively and then imitating them.

Our aggressive behaviour is often reinforced through observing a model being rewarded for their aggression. This is called vicarious reinforcement.

Question 5

What is deindividuation?

Answer 5

The psychological state in which an individual loses their personal identity within a group

As a result, they start to lose self-awareness and and stop monitoring and regulating their behaviour

Question 6

ao1 key words for deindividuation

Answer 6

• Psych state – lose personal identity, stop monitor and regulate
• LeBon (1895) – crowd behaviour
• usually easily identified – social norms constrain – discourage forms aggressive
• break free – contemplate absence of crowd
• phenomenon various factors
• anonymity - retribution

Question 7

essay plan for deindividuation (8 marks)

Answer 7

ao1 - deindividuation LeBon (1895)

ao3 - SE for anonymity Johnson and downing 1979 lab experiment kkk shocks

ao3 - cannot discern exact effect - sporting events football vs rugby and cricket