Albert Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment demonstrated that children learn through observation, not just direct reinforcement. This pivotal study involved 72 children and showed that those who saw an adult model act aggressively were more likely to imitate that behavior. The findings bolstered Social Learning Theory, emphasizing cognitive processes and the social environment's role in behavior acquisition.
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Behavior is shaped by direct reinforcement
Observation and imitation are critical components of learning
To challenge the behaviorist view and explore the role of observation in learning
72 children aged 3-6 from Stanford University's nursery school
Adult model's behavior, model's gender, and child's gender
Child's subsequent behavior, measured by physical and verbal aggression and imitation
Children observed an adult model's behavior in a playroom setting
Children were shown attractive toys they could not play with
Children were left alone in a room with toys, including a Bobo doll, and their behavior was observed
Children exposed to aggressive model were more likely to act aggressively, with boys showing higher physical aggression
Experiment supported the idea that observation plays a vital role in learning and behavior acquisition
Experiment raised concerns about exposure to aggression and the need for ethical standards in research
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Bandura's challenge to behaviorism
Proposed observation/imitation over direct reinforcement in learning.
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Social Learning Theory key concept
Learning occurs through observing and imitating others.
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Implications of Bobo doll experiment
Suggested learning without direct experience, influencing behaviorism.
