Aggression: intent to harm others, a mental attribute Violence: behavioural/physical output that stems from aggression
Violence can be caused through multiple different reasons. Some include:
Learnt behaviour - behaviour is observed and copied
Abusive household/parents
Bandura et al. - Social Learning Theory
Media (e.g. movies, news, tv)
Culture - violence is not seen as negative, but often means to solve problems in everyday life
Violence taught as an answer within a culture
When surrounded by culture where violence is linked to masculinity – knife and gun crime in poor urban areas.
Social Learning Theory (SLT) - Bandura SLT 5 KEY ELEMENTS:
Model - a role model that an imitator looks up to
Identification - identifying with certain behaviours
Observation - watching the behaviours of a role model
Vicarious learning (Operant conditioning: reinforcement/punishment) - choosing to copy the role model through observing positive reinforcement or punishment.
Cognitive processes also involved:
Motivation, attention, coding and memory
Imitation
Supporting studies: Bandura, Ross & Ross (1961) Bandura, Ross & Ross (1963)