Bobo Doll Experiment
Definition
The Bobo doll experiment was conducted by Albert Bandura in 1961 and 1963 to study patterns of behavior associated with aggression. Children observed an adult acting aggressively towards a Bobo doll; later on, it was found that these children were more likely to act out similar aggressive actions.
Analogy
Imagine if you watched someone playing a video game using certain strategies or moves against an opponent (the Bobo doll). Later on when you play the same game, you're likely to use those same strategies or moves because they seemed effective - this is essentially what happened in the Bobo Doll Experiment but with real-life aggression instead of video games.
Related terms
Aggression: A range of behaviors that can result in both physical and psychological harm to oneself or others. Like throwing punches during a boxing match.
Imitation: Copying behavior observed in others. Like mimicking your friend’s dance steps at prom night.
Reinforcement: An outcome (positive or negative) that strengthens the likelihood of a behavior. Like getting extra dessert for finishing your vegetables.
"Bobo Doll Experiment" appears in:
Study guides (3)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (5)
- Which researcher is famously associated with the bobo doll experiment?
- How does observational learning contribute to aggression according to Albert Bandura's Bobo doll experiment?
- In Albert Bandura's Bobo doll experiment, what type of learning was being studied?
- What is the key concept behind Albert Bandura's Bobo doll experiment?
- How did Albert Bandura revolutionize our understanding of aggression through his Bobo Doll Experiment?
Resources
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