Aggression is an action or series of actions where the aim is to cause harm to another person or object. Social learning theory states that aggressive behaviour is learned directly (operant conditioning) and indirectly (vicarious). For example, if someone gets something they want when they’re aggressive the action will be reinforced therefore likely to be repeated. And if a person sees their role model rewarded for an aggressive action the observer is likely to imitate that model. The model is most likely to be imitated if: the model is similar to the observer, the model is admired and/or the observer as low self-esteem.
Modeling Theory is a form of social learning theory that asserts that people learn how to act by observing others. (Schmalleger, 231) 5. Behavior Theory is a psychological perspective that posits that individual behavior that is rewarded will increase in frequency, while that which is punished will decrease. (Schmalleger, 234) 6. Sociological Theories examine institutional arrangements within society and the interaction between and among social institutions, individuals and groups as they affect socialization and have an impact on social behavior.
The second way learning can take place is through operant conditioning. The basic principle here is that if a behaviour is positively reinforced, for example, by praise it will increase the likelihood of such behaviour occurring again. Again using anorexia nervosa as an example when the individual initially loses weight they may gain attention from others around them. The final way in which the behavioural model proposes people may learn maladaptive behaviours is through modelling. This is called the social learning theory and involves individuals observing their role models behaving in certain ways and imitating their behaviour.
Aggression refers to behaviours that can result in both physical and psychological harm to one self, others or objects in the environment. It can be socially explained using the Social Learning Theory, which suggest that we learn behaviours, including aggression, by imitating successful role models. Therefore it is possible to learn aggression through Operant or Classical conditioning. The theory also suggests that observational learning can also take place, and that this is reinforced vicariously. Vicarious learning or reinforcement occurs when one sees another person rewards for certain actions.
Social learning theory comes from the idea that human beings ability to learn new behaviours by the way we see that certain individual perform that behaviour. For example if a teenager saw a fellow friend act in a certain manner of way then he/she is most likely to copy that behaviour. Gender, statues, fame, prestige, competence are all different factors that can make us imitate another person. Solomon Asch (1950) came up with a concept called the “majority influences. The people that we get inspired by are called role models.
Social learning theory originated from the work of Gabriel Tarde who argued that key characteristics of imitation were the behaviour of role models, the copying of behaviour of those of a higher status, the degree of contact with role models and the degree of understanding of the behaviour. Bandura thought that social learning theory had four main processes: attention, retention, reproduction and motivation and that the central part of these processes was the presence of a role model from whom behaviour would be copied. Vicarious reinforcement was important as if the role model was reinforced for a certain act of aggression it is more likely that the behaviour would be copied. Mental representation is also important as whether or not the aggressive behaviour would be copied could rely on this. Some evidence for this theory is by Bandura, who found that children imitated very precisely role models who displayed aggressive behaviour towards a Bobo Doll.
Outline and evaluate two social-psychological theories of aggression (24 marks). Aggression is a term which is used to refer to behaviour between members of the same species which is intended to cause harm or pain. It can be verbal, mental and physical. Two arguments arise from explaining aggression, some focus on the biological issues like hormones and some on the social approach like whether the behaviour comes from our interactions with the world. Bandura believed that the potential for aggression may be biological, but the expression of aggression is learned.
Outline and evaluate two social psychological theories of aggression. (24 marks) Bandura believed that the potential for aggression may be biological, but the expression of aggression is learned. The social-learning theory (SLT) states that learning occurs through observation of a model. Imitation of an observed behaviour is more likely if the model is someone we aspire to or identify with or if they are rewarded. This is vicarious reinforcement.
Introduction Akers social learning theory is also known as differential association- reinforcement theory. It has its roots in Sutherland’s differential association theory and the behavioral psychology of Skinner and Bandura. Akers (in Brown et al 2001:312) argues that both law-abiding behaviour and criminal behaviour can be explained by means of his social learning theory. Key elements in terms of behaviour: Akers identified four key elements which form part of the complex learning process that influences human behaviour: - differential association - definitions - differential reinforcement - imitation Differential Association This component in Aker’s theory is of primary importance. According to Aker, the individuals with whom one decides to differentially associate and interact play an integral part in providing the social context wherein social learning takes place.
The psychological approach links to social care. The behaviourist therapy is shaping and changing social behaviour using the principles of operant conditioning using behaviour modification techniques typically, this involves establishing assistant of tokens or rewards to reinforce desired behaviour. Token economy is a common feature of mental health and commonly used in institutes. However, social reinforcement in modern care settings would be verbalised such as “well done” to build up self esteem and confidence. The psychological approach links to health practice.