Limitations of Social Learning Theory (SLT)
Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 15.2.6
Limitations of Social Learning Theory of Aggression
Social learning theory cannot explain all of aggression, and non-aggressive models may have more practical real-world benefits. Furthermore, cultural differences have been observed.
Self-efficacy
- Children who are experienced in using proactive aggression have high levels of self-efficacy, that is, they are confident that their aggressive behaviour will bring benefits.
- They use aggression as a way of achieving their goals and this type of behaviour is well explained by social learning theory.
Reactive aggression
- However, reactively aggressive children habitually use aggression to retaliate in the heat of the moment.
- They tend to be hostile, suspicious of others, and do not use aggression to achieve anything except retribution.
- This kind of reactive aggressive behaviour is less well explained by a social learning perspective, and may be better explained by negative affect theory.
Cultural differences
- Different cultures have different norms about which behaviours should be reinforced, so there are cultural differences.
- In some cultures, such as the !Kung San of the Kalahari Desert, direct reinforcement of children’s aggression is unlikely because social norms do not encourage it, and parents tend not to use it to discipline children.
Innate aggression
- This also means that models of aggression are unavailable for children to observe, and certainly vicarious reinforcement is a rare experience.
- Nevertheless they display aggressive behaviour.
Test yourself on Limitations of Social Learning Theory (SLT)
Reactive aggressive behaviour is best explained by which perspective?