Question

We would expect children to be least likely to imitate an aggressive model if the model:

A) Receives a reward for aggressive behavior
B) Is of the same sex as the observer
C) Is physically attractive
D) Faces negative consequences for aggression

Answer 1

Children are less likely to imitate aggressive behavior if they observe the aggressive model being punished for such actions, based on Bandura's Bobo doll experiment, highlighting the impact of consequences in observational learning.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the realm of observational learning and behavior modeling, children are less likely to imitate an aggressive model if the model faces negative consequences for their aggression. This is drawn from the findings of Albert Bandura's famed Bobo doll study.

Children observe and learn from the behavior of those around them, especially adults. When an adult model displayed aggressive behavior towards the Bobo doll but was then punished for their actions, the children who witnessed the punishment decreased their tendency to imitate the aggressive behaviors of the model. In contrast, if the aggressive behavior was ignored or even rewarded, the children were more likely to imitate that behavior, reflecting the significant role of consequences in learning.

Observational learning is not just about replicating seen behavior; it also involves understanding the outcomes and responses that follow a behavior. Therefore, when considering the implications for child development and discipline, it is essential to recognize that behaviors paired with negative outcomes are less likely to be repeated, as they do not yield a desirable result.