It could be said that we all are born aggressive but as we mature to adulthood we become less aggressive, transferring our aggressive tendencies to more acceptable behaviors such as sports and competition. One of the ways in which theorist have describe this process learning is social learning theory. Alfred Bandura’s classic Bobo doll experiment provided research evidence that aggression, like other behaviors can be learned as well. One of the challenges is how to define aggression. Anger is an abstract concept that is hard to define unless you attribute it to some overt observable behavior.
- If you have ever worked in a preschool or child day care, you may have observed volatile behaviors in some of the children such as hitting others, biting, slapping, yelling, and throwing objects at others. Would this observation support the premise that we are born aggressive and we learn not to be?
- Describe the theoretical basis of the Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment. Based on the results of the experiment, explain your conclusions regarding aggressive behavior.
- Describe what is meant by the term aggression? What factors in an individual need to be considered when defining aggression? How can aggression be categorized?
Justify your answers with appropriate reasoning and research from your text and course readings. Comment on the postings of at least two peers and provide an analysis of each peers postings while also suggesting specific additions or clarifications for improving the discussion question response.
To support your work, make sure to utilize your course and text readings. When asked, utilize outside sources. As in all assignments make sure to cite your sources in your work and provide a reference for that citation utilizing APA format.