RUNNING TITLE: Observational Learning Group Paper
Observational Learning Group Paper
Grace Bible College
Jessica Sackett
Teresa Ford
Catrina Johnson-Blout
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Observational Learning Group Paper
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As the saying goes, “Monkey see, monkey do.” This is true for what happens when
people watch something violent of play a violent video games, especially with children. We all
have mirror neurons which fire when we are watching someone else do something. The brain’s
action may cause imitation.
In the book, Exploring Psychology by David Myers, he talks about contagious emotions.
When we are talking to someone who is smiling, we will most likely start to smile as well or will
feel happy. While you are consoling someone who is crying, you may have a sad face or feel
empathy for that person. “Our brain’s mirror neurons underline our intensely social nature.”
(Myers, page 249)
Albert Bandura, pioneer of research on observational learning, did several tests with
children to test his theory. He used a Bobo doll and has a student kick, throw, and hit the doll as
she was yelling at it in anger. This was videotaped and shown to young children. After the video
was shown to the children, they were let into a room with a Bobo doll like the one in the movie.
The children imitated the student form the movie.
After a long review on the subject, Dr. Villani concluded that media had a strong effect
of people of all ages. (Villani) She said that different types of media caused different emotions.
In an article by Dr. Brad Bushman, tests were done to see the existence of both short-term and
long-term effects for aggressive behavior from media violence. Children under 18 years of age
were compared to adults in the test. The results showed that there was significant effect in
both children and adults from the media violence. Short-term effects were more likely in
children than in the adults. Children can encode new scripts, schemas, and beliefs via
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observational learning with less interference and effort than adults. (Bushman, 2006). In an
article by Blumberg, Bierwirth, and Schwartz, they discuss how cartoon violence on television
influences children’s behavior. In their definition, violence can be generally defined as any
intentional or accidental action that causes physical or psychological harm to oneself, another
person, animal, or inanimate object. The article says the effect of the violent cartoon depends
on the child’s ability to differentiate between reality and fantasy. The study found that if
children are better able to recognize behavior as unacceptable or unrealistic, they are less likely
to emulate it. Even if they do not immediately repeat the behavior, the exposure affects neural
activity patterns. (Blumberg, Bierwirth & Schwartz, 2008)
All of these observations from articles and experiments lead us to believe that there is a
strong connection between violence in the media and violence in children and adults. The main
thought of the article on cartoon violence is that if parents and teachers intervene by explaining
the violent acts witnessed by children, giving them context, they would be less likely to be
repeated. Imitation is a big part of how we act as humans. We learn from watching each other
and we need to watch what we do because other people may be imitating us as well. As
Christians, we are disciples who should be going out to make more disciples. In order to make
disciples we need to be good role models and model the behavior God wants us to show others
because they will watch and imitate that behavior.
Observational Learning Group Paper
Myers, David. 2011. Exploring Psychology. 248-250
Blumberg, F.C., Bierwirth, K.P., & Schwartz, A.J. (2008). Does Cartoon Violence Beget Aggressive
Behavior in Real Life? An Opposing View. Early Childhood Education Journal, 36(2), 101-104.
Villani, Susan. M.D. Impact of Media on Children and Adolescents.
Bushman, Brad. PhD. (2006). Short-term and Long-term Effects of Violent Media on Aggression in
Children and Adults. Arch Pediatric Adolescents Med. 160:348-352
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