Research

This experiment aims to understand whether social behaviours can be learned by watching others in action. The test was to see if ‘aggression arousal’ or frustration lead to aggression by children towards a ‘bobo doll’ after watching an adult take their aggression out on a ‘bobo doll’.

It was found that children who did not observe an adult taking out their aggression on a ‘bobo doll’ were more likely NOT to act aggressively towards toys. It argues for the idea of ‘learned behaviours’ or observing certain behaviours, in this case learning aggression and its’ consequences, as well as the idea of the impact of violent media, which is still in conversation.  This YouTube video provides an overview of the experiment.

Disclaimer: This summary was prepared by Bath & Bristol Parenting Hub to provide recommendations and accessible material for parents. It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, and the original source should be referred to for full details.