Evaluating Social Learning Theory

Bandura, Ross & Ross – children copied aggressive models, reproducing verbal/physical aggression towards a BoBo doll and were more likely to copy a model if it was the same gender as them.

Williams et al – the introduction of broadcast TV to a remote community caused a significant increase in aggression among children (natural experiment).

SLT doesn’t account for criminal behaviour that isn’t first observed and people may be more likely to watch/observe violence if another factor has already made you violent – this means that there are issues with validity.

It cannot explain the high recidivism rate in countries where jail and the death penalty are enforced – punishment does not always stop the behaviour from occurring.