Bandura et al. (aggression)

Bandura et al. (aggression).

• Bandura, A, Ross, D and Ross, S A (1961), Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 63(3): 575-82.
• The study by Bandura et al. tested social learning theory. The study investigated whether a child would imitate aggressive behaviour if they witnessed such behaviour in an adult. The study was an experiment comparing several variables using observation as a technique to collect data.
• The psychology being investigated includes: social learning theory; aggression.
• For this study, candidates should understand the background, aims, procedure and methodology as appropriate (research method, sample and demographics, sampling technique, experimental design, controls, question types, data-collection technique, and measured and manipulated variables), ethical issues, quantitative and qualitative results and their representation and interpretation, conclusions, and strengths and weaknesses; describe and evaluate the methodology; and relate the study to psychological issues and debates.

This matters because bandura et al. (aggression) determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply bandura et al. (aggression) to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Bandura et al. (aggression) is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.