The basis of learned behaviour is formed when the link between observations and actions are contemplated. This essay examines Bandura, Ross & Ross (1961) “Bobo Doll” experiment and its findings. It will further explore the limitations of the study such as selection bias, the role of race and socioeconomic background and the novelty of the Bobo Doll and the children’s perception of it as a toy. Additionally, it analysis the contemporary debates of Bandura’s study ranging from biology issues, the setting of the experiment, the participants desire to please adults and the relationship between survival instincts and the participants aggression. Furthermore, is explores the difference between aggression and violence and the impact the role of the media, video games and violence have on children. It will critically evaluate these theories and discuss the impact they have on aggression and children in relation to Bandura’s findings.
Social learning theory centres on one’s interaction within their environment. Bandura et al. (1961) argued that all behaviour such as violence and aggression is learnt socially through imitation and consequently, they conducted an experiment known as the “Bobo Doll Study”. The experiment consisted of 72 test subjects.
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(1961) arranged the children into matching aggression groups based on their previous observations at the nursey. Three groups were formed. The first group of 24 children (12 boys and 12 girls), were shown an aggressive model where a male or female model behaved aggressively towards the “Bobo Doll”. They attacked the doll with a hammer and shouted towards it. The second group of 24 children (12 boys and 12 girls), known as the nonaggressive group, were shown the non-aggressive model where they played in a subdued manner with toys for 10 minutes and ignored the Bobo Doll. The third group, the control group, consisted of 24 children (12 boys and 12 girls) and were not shown any type of model (Bandura et al.,