220841554-Social Learning Theory
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Section 1
The social learning theory is considered to be one of the many explanations for violent behavior. This theory, in regards to violence, states that aggression is a learned behavior just like any other behavior (Alvarez & Bachman, 2008). According to Alvarez and Bachman (2008), aggression is viewed in the media and people’s environments, and then imitated in their behavior. Professor John P. Murray (2008) of Kansas State University takes this one step further by stating that media violence can be described as a drug because it hypnotizes its viewers. Today’s video games, news and television shows portray violence as glamorous, fast paced and often without consequences. In accordance with the social learning theory, these factors are what capture the audience’s attention and not only make violence appealing, but also justified.
The media is just one part of this learned aggression. The social learning theory also suggests that children learn from certain models, such as their parents and other figures of authority (Alvarez & Bachman, 2008). By watching a parent or if parents participate in a violent act, Alvarez and Bachman (2008) discuss how a child learns aggressive behavior and that it is an acceptable reaction to certain emotions.
Within the social learning theory, emotional desensitization occurs, which helps to explain how violence in the media can influence and possibly increase aggression in individuals (Alvarez & Bachman, 2008). When an individual becomes emotionally desensitized, he or she no longer becomes bothered by violent scenes which they view on television, in video games or in their environment (Alvarez & Bachman, 2008). According to Alvarez and Bachman (2008) in regards to the social learning theory, as the viewing of violence increases, reactivity and empathy decreases.
In order to see if there is a correlation, research has been conducted to test the social learning theory in regards to violence and aggression. In the United States in the early and mid 1900s, adults became concerned and wondered if comic books, radio and eventually movies could cause children’s aggression to increase (Murray, 2008). In his studies, in order to find a correlation between the social learning theory and violence, Murray (2008) examined past studies and reviewed research throughout the years since the invention of the television in the early 1950s. It was found in the review of a few correlational research studies done in the 1960s that viewing violence in the media did have some affect on aggressive behaviors (Murray, 2008). Furthermore, Murray (2008) discussed how it was found that adolescents who participated in the studies viewed aggressive behaviors and violence in a favorable light. In a later study, Murray (2008) also reviewed the results in which violent television programs created an idea that the world is a dangerous place and people may become fearful. Furthermore, according to Anderson, Berkowitz, Donnerstein, Huesmann, Johnson, Linz, Malamuth and Wartella (2003), it was found that viewing music videos and hearing song lyrics could also increase aggressive behavior and influence anti-social behavior even if the songs are not overtly aggressive.
The social learning theory can also be used to combat violent behavior and prevent it. According to Berry (2003), it is important to have diversity in television and portray characters as having the ability to function and get along in a society of different cultures. In reviewing past studies, the belief is that programs that show the strengths of a diverse, humane culture can positively influence children and reduce aggression (Berry, 2003). Another way to use the social learning theory as a method of prevention of violence is for parents to monitor their children’s exposure to media violence and openly discuss what is being viewed (Steyer & Clinton, 2002). Steyer and Clinton (2002) suggest that children, as well as adults, go on a “media diet” by avoiding violent video games and television shows. This “media diet” would result in the reduction of exposure to all forms of media to avoid viewing and replicating violent acts.
Section 2
Today, we often hear or read about reports in the news in which individuals have been influenced by violence that they viewed in a video game or a television show and acted upon their increased aggressive behavior. An article that caught my attention on the CBS News website discussed how the influence of video games that glorify violence can have a negative affect on an individual who has been exposed for a prolonged period of time. This glorification of violence in the media and certain video games’ message that committing violent acts is fun and justifiable, can desensitize the exposed individual.
Correspondent Ed Bradley reported three weeks ago that a multi-million dollar lawsuit was filed in Alabama against the makers of the video game Grand Theft Auto and those who market the game. The attorney who has filed the suit stated that after months of playing the video game in which the player can decapitate police officers, slap prostitutes, steal cars and throw grenades and the prolonged exposure to the graphic violence, influenced an eighteen year old boy to kill three men, two of which were police officers. Based on the facts that the boy had no prior criminal history and had played the game for hundreds of hours, the attorney believes that the game trained him and desensitized him so that he was able to commit a serious, violent offense. Along with this crime, two other boys in California told police upon their arrest that a violent military-themed game influenced them to kill a man.
Section 3
I believe that the social learning theory can strongly be applied to the two cases of the boys who played violent video games and then killed people that they had no connection to prior to the incidents. In the reviews that Murray (2008) and Berry (2003) conducted of the past studies to find a correlation between violence in the media and individual aggression, they both stated that they did not find a casual effect. However, they both noticed that there was a strong increase in aggression and individual’s attitudes towards violence. I also agree with these findings because it is easy for people who view violence in the media that has been shown in a positive light or considered justified, are desensitized and receive the message that certain populations should be dehumanized.
In regards to the boy from Alabama and the countless other crimes committed by adolescents that mimic scenes in violent video games and television shows, I do feel that these behaviors are learned. I feel that not only do adolescents receive blatant messages from violence in the media, but they also receive messages from the lax attitudes that their parents have about what their children are exposed to. I believe that children and adolescents learn from their parents that violence is socially acceptable when their parents when they buy them violent video games and allow the viewing of certain websites and television shows. No longer is it a rare occurrence for me to see parents bring their young children and toddlers to rated R and horror movies or are verbally and/or physically abusive towards one another in front of their children. Thus, children are sent the message that violence is acceptable and an appropriate way to resolve conflicts. All of these examples show how the social learning theory applies to behavior, attitudes and actions towards violence.
Section 4
After reading the reports by CNN, USA Today and ABC News and watching the reports on television, I do not believe that Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold’s extreme violence stems from social learning. With the new information it has been found that neither boy was affiliated with the gothic scene and they did not mention any musical influence. Both boys were the bullies not the bullied. The news articles also stated that the police investigations found that neither boy played violent video games.
It was found that Klebold was depressed and suicidal and Harris was a narcissist who felt God-like. These symptoms are possibly a result of biological factors rather than social learning and situational factors. For this reason, I do not believe that the social learning theory could have helped to prevent their actions. Based on the information from the news reports, it appears that both boys needed assistance in the criminal justice, public health and medical perspectives. If the police had recognized that both boys were on probation and had an outstanding warrant, the criminal justice perspective would have helped in the prevention of further criminal activity and violent behavior. Also, both boys should have been evaluated and put on medication or sought therapy. I do not feel that these issues could have been addressed using the social learning theory since biological factors appeared to be the main cause for the violence.
References
Alvarez, A. & Bachman, R. (2008). Violence, the enduring problem. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc.
Steyer, J.P. & Clinton, C. (2002). The Other Parent New York: Simon and Schuster.
Anderson, C.A., Berkowitz, L., Donnerstein, E., Huesmann, L.R., Johnson, J.D., Linz, D.,Malamuth, N.M. & Wartella, E. (2003). The influence of media violence on youth. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, vol. 4(3), 81-89.
Berry, G.L. (2003). Developing children and multicultural attitudes: the systemic psychological Influences of television portrayals in a multimedia society. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, vol. 9(4), 360-366.
Murray, J.P. (2008). Media violence: the effects are both real and strong. American Behavioral Scientist, vol. 51(8), 1212-1223.
Can a Video Game Lead to Murder? (2009) Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/03/04/60minutes/main678261.shtml.
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