Aims of the study

The primary goal was to investigate the effects of vicarious reinforcement on children's imitation of aggressive behaviour. Researchers wanted to determine if children would be more inclined to copy aggression when they saw a role model being rewarded for it. Conversely, they aimed to see if observing punishment for the same behaviour would reduce imitation. This helped test whether positive or negative consequences observed in others could motivate or discourage similar actions in children.

Participants in the study

The study involved 66 children in total, with 33 boys and 33 girls. These participants were divided into three groups, each containing 22 children (11 boys and 11 girls).

Group allocations

• Model rewarded group - Children observed positive consequences for the model's aggression.
• Model punished group - Children observed negative consequences for the model's aggression.
• Control group - Children saw the model's aggression without any consequences.

Procedure of the study

Steps in the procedure

1. Exposure to the model - Each child watched a five-minute film showing an adult model in a playroom acting aggressively towards a Bobo doll.
2. Introduction of consequences - Depending on the group:
   • In the model rewarded condition, another adult rewarded the aggressive model with sweets and a soft drink, positively reinforcing the behaviour.
   • In the model punished condition, another adult scolded the model by shaking their finger and saying, "You big bully."
   • In the control group, no consequences were shown after the model's aggression.
3. Observation phase - After viewing the film, each child was taken individually to a separate room containing a Bobo doll and other toys. They were left to play for ten minutes while researchers observed and recorded their behaviours every five seconds, focusing on imitative aggressive acts.

Results of the study

• Impact of rewards - Children in the model rewarded group showed the highest levels of imitative aggressive behaviours towards the Bobo doll.
• Control group comparison - In the control condition (no consequences), boys exhibited more aggressive behaviours than girls.

Conclusions from the study

The study concluded that vicarious reinforcement significantly affects children's tendency to imitate aggressive behaviours. When children observed a model being rewarded for aggression, they were more motivated to replicate it, as the positive outcome encouraged similar actions. In contrast, seeing punishment discouraged imitation, acting as a deterrent.