The Bobo Doll Experiment: Decades of Study on Imitation and Aggression
The Bobo Doll Experiment was one of the most influential studies in the field of psychology, conducted in 1961 by renowned psychologist Albert Bandura. This study aimed to explore the concept of imitation and aggression in children, and how exposure to aggressive models can influence behavior. The results of the study had a significant impact on the field of psychology and has been used to inform numerous studies since its original conception. This article reviews the Bobo Doll Experiment, its findings, and its implications on the field of psychology.
Background
The Bobo Doll Experiment was conducted by Albert Bandura, a renowned psychologist and professor at Stanford University. Bandura was interested in exploring the concept of imitation and aggression, and how it could be used to identify various forms of behavior. To this end, he formulated the Bobo Doll Experiment, which would serve as the basis for his research.
The Experiment
The Bobo Doll Experiment was conducted over the course of three days. During the first day, the children were presented with a Bobo Doll and instructed to ignore it. On the second day, the children were shown a short film in which an adult model was seen performing aggressive acts on the Bobo Doll. On the third day, the children were placed into a room with the Bobo Doll and observed for their behavior.
Findings
The experiment found that children who had been exposed to the aggressive model in the film exhibited significantly higher levels of aggression than those who had not. Specifically, the children who had seen the aggressive model were more likely to hit, kick, and punch the Bobo Doll compared to the control group. This finding suggested that imitation and aggression are related, and that exposure to aggressive models can influence behavior.
Implications
The findings of the Bobo Doll Experiment have had a significant impact on the field of psychology. Many studies since its conception have used the findings of the experiment to inform their own research. Furthermore, the experiment has also provided valuable insight into the development of aggression in children, and has been used to inform interventions designed to reduce aggression in young people.
Conclusion
The Bobo Doll Experiment is one of the most influential studies in the field of psychology. Its findings have had a significant impact on the field, informing numerous studies and interventions since its conception. This article has reviewed the Bobo Doll Experiment, its findings, and its implications on the field of psychology.
References
Bandura, A. (1961). Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 63(3), 575–582. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0045925
Crick, N. R., & Dodge, K. A. (1994). A review and reformulation of social information-processing mechanisms in children’s social adjustment. Psychological Bulletin, 115(1), 74–101. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.115.1.74
Slaby, R. G., & Guerra, N. G. (1988). Cognitive mediators of aggression in adolescent offenders: 1. Assessment. Developmental Psychology, 24(5), 580–588. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.24.5.580