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Bandura, Ross & Ross (1961): Social Learning of Aggression

Study Aim and Research Question

AIM

Bandura, Ross and Ross (1961) aimed to investigate whether children imitate aggressive behaviour modeled by an adult and whether they would imitate behaviour toward a Bobo doll, testing the theory of social learning about aggression.

Method, Design, and Sample

A breakdown of the study's core components for rapid review.

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Method

Laboratory experiment with controlled conditions allowed observation.
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Design

Independent groups design: Aggressive, Non-aggressive, Control (no model).
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Sample Size

72 children (36 boys/36 girls) aged 3-6 years from Stanford nursery.
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Matching

Children were matched on initial aggression levels via observation.

Procedure Phases

The experiment followed three distinct phases to test the effect of observational learning.

P1

Modeling

Children observed a model behaving aggressively or non-aggressively toward the Bobo doll, or no model.
P2

Arousal/Frustration

Children were frustrated by being denied toys.
P3

Observation

Children were placed in a room with the Bobo doll, and their behaviour was observed from behind a one-way mirror for 20 minutes.

Key Findings on Aggression

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Aggressive Model Condition Children in the aggressive condition showed significantly more aggressive behaviours toward the doll than other groups. Boys showed more physical aggression; girls showed more verbal aggression.
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Non-Aggressive/Control Groups The control group showed little aggression. Researchers recorded instances of imitative aggressive behaviour, partially imitative, and non-imitative aggressive behaviour.

Core Conclusion (Social Learning Theory)

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Learning through Observation: The findings support the social learning theory, demonstrating that aggression can be learned through observation and imitation without direct reinforcement. Exposure to aggressive role models increases likelihood of aggression in children.

Relevance and Applications

USEFULNESS

Bandura’s study has wide applications, such as understanding effects of violent media on children and designing interventions to prevent aggressive behaviour. It also informs practices in parenting and education.

Methodological and Ethical Analysis

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Strengths Controlled design and clear findings. This study contributed to understanding how behaviours, particularly aggression, are learned through social context.
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Weaknesses & Ethics Low ecological validity (artificial lab setting, use of a doll). Ethical issues include exposing children to aggressive models and possible distress. Informed consent was from parents but the impact on children was considerable.

Contextualization and Diversity

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How does this study relate to behavior adherence studies, like Chaney et al. (2004)?
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Bandura differs from Chaney et al. (2004) who focused on behaviour adherence rather than aggression, but both highlight social influence on behaviour and learning from the environment.
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Did the sample represent diversity?
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The sample was small, geographically limited, and culturally homogenous, which limits generalizations. However, it underlines universal mechanisms of social learning.
Bandura, Ross & Ross (1961) Study Deck
Question
Aim of the Study

What was the aim of Bandura, Ross, and Ross (1961) study?

Answer
Aim

To investigate if children imitate aggressive behaviour modeled by an adult, especially towards a Bobo doll, testing social learning theory on aggression.

Question
Research Method

What research method was used in the study?

Answer
Method

A laboratory experiment with controlled conditions.

Question
Experiment Design

What was the design of the experiment?

Answer
Design

Independent groups design with three conditions: aggressive model, non-aggressive model, and no model (control).

Question
Participants

Who were the participants in the study?

Answer
Participants

72 children (36 boys, 36 girls), aged 3-6 years, from a Stanford nursery.

Question
Materials Used

What materials were used in the experiment?

Answer
Materials

A large inflatable Bobo doll, aggressive behavior animations (e.g., hammering and verbal abuse), and an observation room with toys.

Question
Procedure Phases

What procedure phases did children go through in the experiment?

Answer
Procedure

1) Observation of model behaviour (aggressive/non-aggressive/no model), 2) Frustration by denying toys, 3) Observation of children’s behaviour with the Bobo doll.

Question
Main Findings

What were the main findings of the study?

Answer
Findings

Children exposed to aggressive models showed more aggression; boys more physical, girls more verbal aggression; specific imitative behaviours were observed; control group showed little aggression.

Question
Conclusion on Aggression

What conclusion did the study reach about aggression?

Answer
Conclusion

Aggression can be learned through observation and imitation without direct reinforcement, supporting social learning theory.

Question
Ethical Concerns

What were some ethical concerns in the study?

Answer
Ethics

Exposure of children to aggressive behaviour could cause distress, raising ethical issues despite parental consent.

Question
Relevance to Developmental Psychology

How is the study relevant to developmental psychology?

Answer
Relevance

It shows how social contexts influence the learning of aggressive behaviours in children.

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📚 Bandura et al. 1961 Study Quiz

1. What was the primary aim of Bandura et al.’s 1961 study?

The study aimed to see if children would imitate the aggressive behaviour modeled by an adult, especially against a Bobo doll, supporting social learning theory.

2. Which design did the study use?

The study employed an independent groups design with three different modelling conditions.

3. How were aggression levels in participants initially controlled?

Children were matched on aggression levels observed before the study to ensure equal distribution.

4. What did the researchers conclude regarding aggression?

The study showed aggression could be learned by observing and imitating others, validating the social learning theory.

5. Which ethical concern is most associated with this study?

The study raised concerns about exposing children to aggressive behaviour and potential distress.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • A Level
  • Aggression
  • OCR