Level 1 – Easy Read
Who Was Albert Bandura?
Albert Bandura was a psychologist who studied how people learn by watching others.
He believed that children often copy the behaviour of adults around them.
This became known as Social Learning Theory or Observational Learning.
What Was the Bobo Doll?
The Bobo Doll was a large inflatable toy that stood back up after being knocked over.
Bandura used it to study how children learn behaviour.
The Experiment
Bandura invited 72 children, aged about 3 to 6 years, to take part.
The children were divided into three groups.
Group 1 – Aggressive Adult
The children watched an adult:
Hit the Bobo doll.
Kick the doll.
Strike it with a toy hammer.
Shout aggressive words.
Group 2 – Calm Adult
The children watched an adult who played quietly with other toys.
The adult ignored the Bobo doll.
Group 3 – Control Group
The children did not watch an adult model either aggressive or calm behaviour before playing.
What Happened Next?
The children were then allowed to play in a room containing many toys, including the Bobo doll.
Researchers observed what the children chose to do.
What Did the Researchers Find?
Children who had watched the aggressive adult were more likely to:
Hit the Bobo doll.
Kick the doll.
Use the toy hammer.
Copy some of the aggressive words they had heard.
This showed that children can learn behaviours by watching other people.
Why Is This Important?
Bandura's research showed that people can learn without receiving rewards or punishments themselves.
Instead, they can learn by observing others.
This is called observational learning or modelling.
Everyday Examples
Children may learn by watching:
Parents
Teachers
Brothers and sisters
Friends
Sports coaches
Television programmes
Films
Social media
Online videos
People can learn both positive and negative behaviours.
Positive Behaviour
Children may copy:
Kindness
Sharing
Good manners
Helping others
Respect
Honesty
Negative Behaviour
Children may also copy:
Hitting
Bullying
Swearing
Aggressive behaviour
Unsafe behaviour
This is one reason why positive role models are important.
What Are the Limits of the Study?
The Bobo Doll experiment was important, but it had some limitations.
For example:
Hitting an inflatable toy is not the same as hurting a real person.
Children knew they were taking part in an experiment.
Many factors influence behaviour, including family, friends, personality, and life experiences.
Because of this, the study suggests that observation can influence behaviour, but it does not mean that everyone who sees aggression will become aggressive.
Remember
✔ Children learn by watching other people.
✔ People can copy both positive and negative behaviours.
✔ Parents, teachers, carers, and other adults are important role models.
✔ Observational learning is one of the main ways people learn throughout life.
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