Final answer:
Younger siblings who observe their older brothers fighting are likely to imitate this aggressive behavior according to Albert Bandura's theory of observational learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
If children observe their older brothers fighting in the neighborhood, Bandura would suggest that the younger siblings would likely imitate that behavior. This concept is rooted in Albert Bandura's social learning theory, specifically the observational learning aspect. According to Bandura's research, such as the famous Bobo doll study, children learn social behaviors by observing and imitating others, especially those in a parental or sibling role.
The antisocial effects of observational learning indicate that exposure to violent and aggressive acts by older siblings can lead to similar behaviors in younger children, which could perpetuate a cycle of violence. This phenomenon reflects the cognitive processing of attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation that are essential in the observational learning process. Bandura's study emphasized the importance of positive role models, or prosocial models, in encouraging socially acceptable behavior among children.