Evaluation of Bandura Study

There are three main advantages of the experimental method.

1. Experiments are the only means by which cause and effect can be established. Thus it could be demonstrated that the model did have an effect on the child’s subsequent behaviour because all variables other than the independent variable are controlled.

2. It allows for precise control of variables. Many variables were controlled, such as the gender of the model, the time the children observed the model, the behaviour of the model and so on.

3. Experiments can be replicated. Standardised procedures and instructions were used allowing for replicability. In fact the study has been replicated with slight changes, such as using videos and similar results were found.

It is also worth noting that a further advantage which again applies to experiments, and some non experimental methods, is that the study yields quantitative data (numerical amounts of something) which can be analysed using inferential statistical tests. These tests permit statements to be made about how likely the results are due to chance.

Limitations of the procedure

Many psychologists are very critical of laboratory studies of imitation – in particular because they are not ecologically valid. The situation involves the child and an adult model, which is a very limited social situation and there is no interaction between the child and the model at any point; certainly the child has no chance to influence the model in any way. Also the model and the child are strangers. This, of course, is quite unlike ‘normal’ modelling which often takes place within the family.

A further criticism of the study is that the demonstrations are measured almost immediately. With such snap shot studies we cannot discover if such a single exposure can have long-term effects.

The study has also been criticised for interpreting the behaviour towards the Bobo doll as aggression. Perhaps the children interpreted their own behaviour as play.

It is possible to argue that the experiment was unethical. For example, there is the problem of whether or not the children suffered any long-term consequences as a result of the study. Although it is unlikely, we can never be certain.