Social Theory of Aggression

According to the social learning theory there are several learning components linking with aggression. Aggressive behaviour can be learnt through observation usually observing role models because a role model is someone you respect and look up to and is usually the same gender. For example, a young boy may imitate his older brothers aggressive behaviour because when seeing him in a fight because the older brother is the same gender as the little boy.

We learn to imitate aggressive behaviour through direct reinforcement e.g. being cheered when being in a fight. However we also learn by vicarious reinforcement which can make it less likely that we imitate the aggressive behaviour e.g. if we see someone else being punished e.g. the brother being arrested for the fight.

In order for aggressive behaviour to be displayed you must complete 4 processes of the Social Learning Theory first attention, you must witness the aggressive behaviour e.g. seeing a fight. Secondly, retention you must remember the aggressive behaviour and be able to retain the information in your memory. Then, reproduction you must be physically able to carry out the aggressive behaviour e.g. be strong enough to fight. And finally, motivation you must have a valid reason to want to carry out the aggressive behaviour e.g. somebody punches you first.

This can be applied to the media as children often imitate aggressive behaviour from role models on the TV e.g a child watching a wrestling match on the TV and paying close attention noticing their aggressive behaviour which influence them to copy. The media is a huge way to influence aggression behaviour mainly a child watching wrestling it will impact on their behaviour massively. He must have the motivation to want to imitate thus aggressive behaviour.