Explain social learning theory, making reference to two relevant studies (8 points)

Theorised by Albert Bandura, social learning theory states that humans learn behaviour through observational learning. Factors affecting social learning theory include attention, retention, replicability and motivation. Motivational factors for individuals include consistency, identification with the model presented, rewards and having a favourable model. Various studies have been conducted that demonstrate social learning theory, such as the work by Bandura (1961) himself. Infamously known as the Bobo Doll Experiment, 36 children ages 3-6 years old spent 10 mins in one of two conditions: one showed a video of an adult aggressively playing with a doll, whereas the other showed an adult engaging in non-aggressive play. Some were shown a same-sex model and others opposing sex models, in order to investigate motivational factors of replicability and identification with the model. Findings revealed children displaying physical and verbal aggression after watching the aggressive video, supporting Bandura's social learning theory. Interestingly, girls were more likely to imitate verbal aggression, whilst boys were more likely to imitate physical aggression. Another study was conducted by Charlton (2002), with 3-8 year olds in a remote community on the Island of St. Helena. The aim was to test broadcast television effects in such community. Cameras were placed on the playground, investigating TV's effect on aggression before and after the experiment. When TV was integrated into the community, there was no increase in violence but only an increase in antisocial behaviour.