3.2.Evaluate the studies used to support his findings

This. guide will help you answer 3.2.Evaluate the studies used to support his findings.

Albert Bandura’s findings on social learning theory are best known through a series of experiments, most famously the Bobo doll studies. These studies, along with other research by Bandura and his colleagues, provided evidence that observation can lead to learning of new behaviours, including aggression. To evaluate these studies, we need to consider their methodological strengths, weaknesses, ethical issues, and how well they relate to real-life situations.

Overview of the Main Studies

The central set of studies took place between 1961 and 1965. They included controlled experiments where children observed adult models behaving aggressively or non-aggressively toward a Bobo doll. In some variations, reinforcement or punishment was applied to the model, allowing Bandura to study the effects of vicarious reinforcement.

The studies aimed to test if children would imitate behaviours seen in others and under what conditions imitation was most likely.

Methodological Strengths

Controlled Conditions
The experiments had tightly controlled settings. Bandura matched children by levels of pre-existing aggression before assigning them to groups. This made it easier to link observed behaviours to the modelling rather than other influences.

Standardised Procedures
Actions by adult models were rehearsed and performed in the same way for each child in an experimental condition. This standardisation improved reliability, meaning the study could be repeated with similar results.

Clear Manipulation of Variables
The independent variable was the behaviour of the adult model (aggressive, non-aggressive, or no model). The dependent variable was the child’s behaviour toward the Bobo doll. This made cause-and-effect relationships easier to identify.

Use of Both Genders as Models and Participants
The design allowed Bandura to examine same-sex and opposite-sex modelling effects. Results showed that children were more likely to copy same-sex models when the behaviour matched gender stereotypes.

Methodological Weaknesses

Artificial Setting
The studies took place in a laboratory environment. Although this improved control, it reduced ecological validity. Children might behave differently in familiar, real-world contexts, such as at home or in the playground.

Use of Novel Objects
The Bobo doll was an unfamiliar toy. Its design invited hitting, which could lead children to act aggressively simply out of curiosity or playfulness, rather than learned aggression.

Short-Term Measurement
The behaviour was observed almost immediately after the modelling. The experiments did not test the long-term retention or actual application of observed aggression in natural settings.

Findings from the Reinforcement Variations

In later studies, Bandura introduced consequences for the model:

• Models rewarded for aggression led to more imitation from children.
• Models punished led to less imitation unless children were later offered rewards themselves.
• Models facing no consequence were imitated more than punished models, but slightly less than rewarded models.

These variations reinforced the idea of vicarious reinforcement. However, they still measured behaviour in short time frames and might not fully represent how real-world consequences influence behaviour over months or years.

Comparison with Other Studies Supporting His Theory

Phillips (1986)
Phillips found that homicide rates in the United States increased after major televised boxing matches. This supports the idea that observing aggression can lead to imitation in society. However, unlike Bandura’s experiments, this was a correlational study, so other factors might explain the trend.

Lefkowitz, Eron, Walder and Huesmann (1972)
This longitudinal study found that children who watched more violent television were more aggressive as teenagers and adults. This gives longer-term support for observational learning effects, which Bandura’s short-term lab studies lacked. However, causality is still hard to prove, as aggressive children might be more drawn to violent content.

Yancey et al. (2004)
This study looked at the influence of role models in shaping health behaviours. It supported the theory that people copy behaviours seen in others, especially admired figures. This showed Bandura’s findings applied beyond aggression. But again, the evidence came from observation, not controlled experiments.

Ethical Considerations

Exposure to Aggression
Children were deliberately shown adult aggression, which could be argued to risk encouraging such behaviour beyond the experiment. It is unknown if this had any lasting negative effects.

Lack of Fully Informed Consent
The children were too young to give informed consent themselves. Informed consent from parents was likely obtained according to the ethical standards at the time, but today’s requirements are stricter.

Deception
Children were not told they were part of a study on aggression imitation. They may have been misled about the purpose of their session, although this was common in psychological research during the 1960s.

Debriefing and Follow-Up
There was little evidence of thorough debriefing or follow-up to check on the children’s emotional state after the experiments, which would be required now.

Relevance and Real-World Application

Education and Parenting
The results helped promote awareness of the influence adults have as role models and the value of modelling desirable behaviours.

Media Regulation
The results have been used in debates on violent media and its potential influence on behaviour. Although the experimental setting was different to media exposure, the underlying principle of modelling remains relevant.

Therapeutic Approaches
Behaviour modelling strategies in counselling and therapy are rooted in the same principles demonstrated in the studies.

Points to Consider in Evaluation

• The controlled nature means strong internal validity but weaker external validity.
• Short-term observations cannot confirm if behaviours last or generalise.
• Use with children raises ethical issues by modern standards.
• Despite limitations, findings have been repeated in various forms and supported by broader evidence.

Final Thoughts

Bandura’s studies remain some of the most cited experiments in psychology. While the artificial nature and ethical concerns limit their direct application, they provided clear, repeatable evidence for observational learning and vicarious reinforcement. Later studies outside the lab have enriched and extended his findings, adding depth and relevance. It is important to recognise both the strengths in ground-breaking methodology and the weaknesses that require careful consideration when applying the results to wider human behaviour.