A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What did children in the aggressive group display more of compared to the non-aggressive group?

1. Non-imitative aggression

2. Imitative aggression

3. Playful behavior

4. Calm behavior

The correct answer is: Non-imitative aggression

The children in the aggressive group displayed more imitative aggression compared to the non-aggressive group. This concept is supported by Bandura's social learning theory, which emphasizes that behaviors, including aggression, can be learned through observation and imitation. In experiments like the Bobo doll study, children who observed aggressive behavior were more likely to replicate that aggressive behavior themselves. Imitative aggression refers specifically to the mimicry of aggressive acts that children observed in a model, typically an adult in controlled studies. These children not only exhibited aggression but also adopted the specific aggressive behaviors and techniques they had seen, showcasing how observational learning operates. In contrast, non-imitative aggression involves spontaneous aggressive behavior that is not influenced by observing role models. The distinction lays in the fact that imitative aggression reflects learned behavior directly from observed aggression, while non-imitative aggression can stem from a variety of influences not necessarily linked to observation. Playful behavior and calm behavior do not align with the findings typical of aggressive groups, as these behaviors reflect entirely different emotional and behavioral responses.