Final answer:
The "Bobo doll" experiment by Albert Bandura showed that learning can occur through observation. Children imitated aggression when the adult model was not punished, but showed less aggression when the model was punished, demonstrating the effects of observational learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "Bobo doll" experiment conducted by Albert Bandura was pivotal in demonstrating that learning can take place through observing the action of others. Bandura's work emphasized the importance of observational learning, a process in which an individual learns by watching the behaviors of a model and the consequences of those behaviors. This form of learning can lead to both prosocial and antisocial behaviors depending on whether those observed are rewarded or punished for their actions.
In the specific experiment involving the Bobo doll, children witnessed an adult acting aggressively towards the doll by hitting and punching it. When this adult was rewarded or not punished, the children imitated the aggressive actions. Conversely, when the adult was punished, the children were less likely to imitate aggression. This study underscored the impact of external models on children’s learning and behavior.