During the 1960s, psychologist Albert Bandura performed an experiment on observational learning. In front of a group of children, an adult model kicks, punches, and throws a large inflated Bobo doll around the room. After this, the children are taken to another room, which is filled with toys. They were then told that those toys were reserved for other kids- this was meant to provoke mild aggression from the children. After this, they were brought to a third room containing some other toys and the Bobo doll. Researchers then recorded the children's behavior for 20 minutes, and found that the children who viewed the model's actions were more likely to lash out at the doll.
This experiment demonstrates the phenomenon of learning by observation. Children- and adults- tend to subconsciously copy the actions of those they consider similar, successful, or admirable. This kind of imitation contributes to the development of children, and it's one of the reasons why studies now indicate that about one-third of people who are abused in childhood will become abusers themselves.
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/24/science/sad-legacy-of-abuse-the-search-for-remedies.html
https://www.simplypsychology.org/bobo-doll.html
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This experiment really underlines the importance of nature and nurture in child development. A person may have the "warrior gene", but with the proper upbringing, they likely won't turn into a psychopath like their counterparts raised in unsafe environments. Early development teaches us how to behave for the rest of our lives, and poor role models and abusive environments in childhood can cause a multitude of issues later in life.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/201706/4-ways-childhood-trauma-impacts-adults