Theories of Aggression: The Social Learning Theory

Sports PsychologyAggression Part III

Recap: Instinct Theory?...Last lesson we introduced the theories of

aggression and discussed the Instinct Theory of Aggression.

TASK: Use the bullet points below to outline the key points of this theory.

.

.

.

.

.

Recap: Instinct Theory?...Last lesson we introduced the theories of

aggression and discussed the Instinct Theory of Aggression.TASK: Use the bullet points below to outline the key points of this theory.

Aggression formed in human through evolution.

Two approaches: Psychoanalytical (Freud) and Ethological (Lorenz)

Aggression is innateAggression can be channelled in to more

socially acceptable behaviours e.g. sportAggression channelled leads to catharsis e.g.

aggression released in something acceptable like sport is drive reducing.

Causes of AggressionWe have also discussed the causes of aggression.

Situations that cause aggression in relation to the individual:

....Some examples of general causes of aggression are:....

Causes of AggressionWe have also discussed the causes of aggression.

Situations that cause aggression in relation to the individual:

They are losingJudge officiating to be unfairPerforming below expectationPhysical painSome examples of general causes of aggression are:Over arousalHome or away and proximity of crowdBelief that aggressive bahaviour will help you winIncreased reward

Theories of Aggression

1. Instinct Theory: Psychoanalytical approach & Ethological approach

2. Social Learning Theory3. Frustration/Aggression

Hypothesis4. Aggressive – cue Hypothesis

2. The Social Learning TheoryAggression is influenced by learningDisagrees with instinct theorists; Bandura

believes that aggression is NOT instinctive. Bandura takes the view that aggression is a

LEARNED RESPONSE.

Aggression learned through

Observation of aggressive behaviour

Reinforcement e.g. From coach, media, parents

Bandura’s research‘Bobo Doll’ Experiment

Showed that children often imitated aggressive behaviour of adults towards the large inflatable dolls.

When the child was rewarded or saw the adult being rewarded for the aggressive behaviour the level of aggression increased.

Can you think of an example in sport where aggressive behaviour is learnt in this way?

Bandura’s research (1965)‘Bobo Doll’ Experiment

Showed that children often imitated aggressive behaviour of adults towards the large inflatable dolls.

When the child was rewarded or saw the adult being rewarded for the aggressive behaviour the level of aggression increased.

In relation to sport; a young boy who is taken to a football match by his father may witness aggressive behaviour by adults in the crowd. The child imitates the behaviour of the adults.

The way the father reacts to this could have positive or negative effects on the future behaviour of the young supporter.

Apply it to sport!!

Vicarious experience: Performers who watch other performers achieving the task will often feel thay are also capable of being successful.

Therefore; if a player acts aggressively and achieves their goal; an observer may feel they can achieve this goal in the same way. (Vicarious or observational learning)

TASK: Provide your own example of how aggressive behaviour may be learnt in a sporting environment. The example I have provided is based around spectator; your example should be based around performer.

Does the reward outweigh the punishment?

Social learning theorist believe that situation has a big influence on the performers aggressive behaviour. Early in a young performers development they will be aware of which situations aggressive behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable.

If the reward (pride, prestige, winning) outweighs the punishment (red card, sin bin, penalty, stopping a sure goal) then a performer is willing to break the rules.

Thinking positively, SLT’s also recognise that if aggressive behaviour can be learnt; performers can also learn to be non – aggressive.

TASKAnswer the question below providing a sporting

example to illustrate you answer.

What effect might a high profile performer acting in an aggressive way have on ensuring young people adopt a healthy and active lifestyle? (5)

Consider:How young people imitate their role models.The effect that aggressive behaviour may

have on a young person thinking about starting a new sport.