Term 2 Unit 3 Discussions: Does Viewing Violence Lead ToAggr

Term 2 Unit 3 Discussionsunit 3 Db Does Viewing Violence Lead To Viol

After viewing Bandura's original video from his 1961 study above, complete the following for this discussion: · Explain the basic concepts demonstrated in this study in regard to observational learning. · Based on the video and your reading, do you believe that violence in television, media, or video games likely promote violent behaviors according to the principles of observational learning? Please share your thoughts and examples. · Additionally, discuss your own real-life example of the concept of observational learning by sharing an incident either witnessed personally or through the media. · Discuss how observational learning differs from theories of learning that emphasize “conditioning” (classical conditioning and operant conditioning). Use the example of how aggressive behavior may result from conditioning. Be sure to provide the URL link(s) and/or title(s) to any resource used as reference in your post.

Paper For Above instruction

Albert Bandura's 1961 study is a cornerstone in understanding observational learning, illustrating how behaviors can be acquired through the modeling of others' actions rather than direct reinforcement. In his experiment, Bandura demonstrated that children who observed an adult behaving aggressively toward a Bobo doll were more likely to imitate that aggressive behavior when given the opportunity, compared to children who observed a non-aggressive model or no model at all. The study revealed key concepts such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, emphasizing that for observational learning to occur, individuals must pay attention to the behavior, remember it, be capable of reproducing it, and be motivated to imitate it. This experiment succinctly highlighted the powerful role of modeling in learning new behaviors, especially those that are socially significant such as aggression.

Regarding the influence of media violence, the principles of observational learning suggest that repeated exposure to violent acts through television, video games, or online content can potentially lead to the adoption of aggressive behaviors. For example, if children frequently observe violent characters being rewarded or going unpunished, they may learn that violence is an acceptable way to solve problems, especially if they are subtly rewarded or reinforced in real-life situations. Research indicates a correlation between media violence exposure and increased aggression, particularly among impressionable youth. A meta-analysis by Anderson and Bushman (2001) found that exposure to violent media increases the likelihood of aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, supporting the idea that violent media content can promote violence through observational learning mechanisms.

Personal experiences also illustrate observational learning. For instance, witnessing my older sibling handle conflicts with assertiveness and confidence often inspired me to adopt similar strategies when faced with challenging situations. Similarly, media portrayals of heroism and confrontation often shape viewers' perceptions of acceptable responses to violence or conflict. Such instances adhere to Bandura's model, where observing admired figures perform aggressive acts can lead individuals to imitate those behaviors.

It is essential to distinguish observational learning from classical and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning involves associative learning, where a neutral stimulus becomes linked to a reflexive response, such as developing fear of dogs after being bitten. Operant conditioning involves behaviors being shaped by reinforcement or punishment, like a child being rewarded with praise for sharing. In contrast, observational learning entails acquiring new behaviors by observing others, without direct reinforcement or punishment. Aggressive behavior, for example, can develop not only from direct reinforcement but also through modeling aggressive role models seen in media or in real life. The key difference is that observational learning emphasizes vicarious experience—learning by watching others—whereas conditioning relies on direct stimuli and responses.

References

• Anderson, C. A., & Bushman, B. J. (2001). Effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, physiological arousal, and prosocial behavior: A meta-analytic review of the scientific literature. Psychological Science, 12(5), 353-359.
• Bobo Doll Experiment. (1961). Bandura, A. (1961). Social cognitive theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
• Huesmann, L. R., & Moise-Titus, J. (2003). Longitudinal effects of violent media on aggression in children and adolescents. Developmental Psychology, 39(2), 201–221.
• Gentile, D. A., & Anderson, C. A. (2003). Violent video games: The effect on youth, and public policy implications. The Future of Children, 13(2), 55-69.
• Bandura, A., Ross, D., & Ross, S. A. (1961). Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 63(3), 575–582.
• Ferguson, C. J. (2007). Evidence for publication bias in gaming and aggression research: A meta-analytic review. Aggressive Behavior, 33(2), 194-206.
• Bushman, B. J., & Anderson, C. A. (2009). Media violence and public health: A fact sheet. American Psychological Association.
• Paik, H., & Comstock, G. (1994). The effects of television violence on antisocial behavior: A meta-analysis. Communication Research, 21(4), 516-546.
• Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery. Basic Books.
• Mendelsohn, H. (2015). The psychology of media violence. Psychology Today.