Bandura (1961)

Question 1

Vicarious Reinforcement

Answer 1

When we observe others receive a reward, then we may imitate that behavior with the goal of getting the same reward

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

To investigate whether children can learn aggressive behavior through observation of adult role models, and whether this is influenced by the sex of the model and the child.

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

Children were individually placed in a room to observe one of two conditions:

Aggressive model – the adult physically and verbally attacked a Bobo doll.

Non-aggressive model – the adult played quietly with toys and ignored the Bobo doll.

A control group saw no model. After this, all children were mildly frustrated by being denied attractive toys, then taken to a room with both aggressive and non-aggressive toys. Their behavior was observed through a one-way mirror to assess imitation of aggression.

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

Children in the aggressive model condition showed significantly more aggressive behavior than those in the non-aggressive or control groups.

Boys were more physically aggressive than girls.

Children were more likely to imitate a model of the same sex.

Boys showed more physical aggression after observing a male model.

Girls showed more verbal aggression after observing a female model.

Children in the non-aggressive condition showed the least aggression.

Question 5

Social Cognitive Theory

Answer 5

Social Cognitive Theory explains how people learn by observing others, then imitating their behavior.

Question 6

Sample

Answer 6

36 boys, and 36 girls