Learning theories are set principles, which describe how individuals obtain, Maintain and remember knowledge. Through studying and understanding the different learning theories, one can be in a position to know how learning occurs. According to the social learning theory, juveniles learn to be involved with crime in the same way they acquire knowledge through conforming behaviors. Significantly, this can be trough their family members or friends who have a significant influence on their lives. Therefore, observational theory or social learning theory significantly influences the behaviors of people.
According to the article, observational learning has a high impact on a person’s behavior. In this article, observational learning is through a particular process that is followed. The different types of learning include classical conditioning and operant conditioning, which highlight how the experiences, reinforcement, and punishment can usher to learning (Hipp, 2017). On the other hand, most forms of learning are through indirect means. The observational theory states that people emulate certain behaviors through a modeling process. The modeling process is carried out in four stages, which are observation, emulation, self-control, and motivation. A person begins by observing a specific behavior, and then the person stores those particular concepts in their mind. Thirdly, they have motor skills that enable them to imitate the action and finally, they get involved in those behaviors.
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Observational learning is also known as modeling or shaping. Most of the time, this occurs during childhood, whereby the child learns from older people and their friends. Observational learning also affects the children in their social life because they learn how to act through observing how their elders interact with other people. The study method used by Bandura was through an experiment whereby children saw a film in which a person consistently hit a balloon doll. From the results, when they were being given a chance to play with the same doll. The children are likely to imitate the brutal and hostile actions of the older model. In the experiment, children imitated the violence saw on a film clip in a laboratory setting. However, they are also likely to avoid repeating the mistakes of their peers if they see them being punished for their wrongdoings.
In this study, the case of criminal behavior in juveniles is through observations. If the children were able to imitate violent actions in a laboratory setting, there are high chances that they will emulate violence and other criminal behaviors they observe. Based on the results, the conclusions of Bandura’s observational theory are correct. Necessarily violent behavior is learned through emulating practices, which are noticeable in the environment. Hence, the brain responds to the things, which one has seen from other people. Therefore, Bandura's observational theory is correct in stating that learning is mainly done through observation and imitation of violent behaviors and different types of responses.
The results of the study can be used to improve policy on crime though particular aspects. For instance, it has been noted that violence on media has created many debates regarding its impact on children and their aggressive behavior (Cherry, 2019). From research, violent video games have also been having adverse effects on children. Hence, this is another crucial evidence of how exposure to violence can affect the thoughts, actions, and behaviors of people. In contemporary society, children are much involved in observing violent content through television, online media and also video games. As a result, the more the children are involved with them, they become more affected.
In conclusion, the observational theory is one that entails that one's actions and behaviors are determined by the observations made by the person on other people. Arguably, these observations cause them to behave in the same way. Presently, clearly, from Bandura’s experiment, it is notable that media and other various forms are adversely affecting children and making them more likely to be aggressive and violent.
References
Cherry, K. (2019, July 7). What the Bobo Doll Experiment Reveals About Kids and Aggression. Retrieved from the very well mind: https://www.verywellmind.com/bobo-doll-experiment-2794993
Hipp, J. R. (2017). Collective efficacy: How is it conceptualized, how is it measured, and does it matter for understanding perceived neighborhood crime and disorder? Journal of Crime and Justice , 32-44.
