Bobo Doll Experiment Essay

The development of learned behaviour transpires 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 along with the participant’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

(1961) experiment lacks credibility. Whereas Hart (2006) argued selection bias affected the internal validly of Bandura et al. study, Cumberbatch (1997) explains the novelty of the Bobo Doll may have influenced Bandura et al. findings. Cumberbatch described that children exposed to the Bobo Doll previously illustrated five times less violence compared with those test subjects who were familiar with the doll. Children may have perceived the Bobo Doll as merely a toy with its intention to hit it, kick it and show aggression towards it. According to Bar-on (2000), aggression is behaviour aimed with the intention of injuring or harming another living being, who is driven to evade such conduct. Bandura et al. findings of aggression and violence neglect to uphold this meaning. The Bobo Doll was not a living being and thus it is difficult to determine if the participants would have acted the same way towards are ‘real’ human being rather than simply a toy. Cumberbatch argued for these reasons, the Bandura et al. research has limitations and lacks credibility in applying the research to current concepts on violence and