The document discusses different theories of aggression, including the instinct theory and social learning theory. According to the instinct theory, aggression is innate and can be channeled into more socially acceptable behaviors like sports. The social learning theory posits that aggression is learned through observation and reinforcement of aggressive behaviors. Bandura's bobo doll experiment showed children imitated aggressive behaviors they observed in adults towards dolls. Aggression can be learned in sports through observing and being rewarded for aggressive play.

1. Theories of Aggression:
The Social Learning Theory
Sports Psychology
Aggression Part III

2. Recap: Instinct Theory?...
Last lesson we introduced the theories of aggression
and discussed the Instinct Theory of Aggression.
TASK: Use the bullet points below to outline the key
points of this theory.
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3. Recap: Instinct Theory?...
Last lesson we introduced the theories of
aggression and discussed the Instinct Theory
of Aggression.
TASK: Use the bullet points below to outline
the key points of this theory.
 Aggression formed in human through
evolution.
 Two approaches: Psychoanalytical (Freud)
and Ethological (Lorenz)
 Aggression is innate
 Aggression can be channelled in to more
socially acceptable behaviours e.g. sport
 Aggression channelled leads to catharsis e.g.
aggression released in something acceptable

4. Causes of Aggression
We have also discussed the causes of aggression.
Situations that cause aggression in relation to the
individual:
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Some examples of general causes of aggression
are:
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5. Causes of Aggression
We have also discussed the causes of aggression.
Situations that cause aggression in relation to the
individual:
 They are losing
 Judge officiating to be unfair
 Performing below expectation
 Physical pain
Some examples of general causes of aggression
are:
 Over arousal
 Home or away and proximity of crowd

6. Theories of Aggression
1. Instinct Theory:
Psychoanalytical approach
& Ethological approach
2. Social Learning Theory
3. Frustration/Aggression
Hypothesis
4. Aggressive – cue

7. 2. The Social Learning Theory
 Aggression is influenced by learning
 Disagrees with instinct theorists; Bandura
believes that aggression is NOT instinctive.
 Bandura takes the view that aggression is a
LEARNED RESPONSE.
Aggression learned through
Observation of
aggressive
behaviour
Reinforcement
e.g. From coach,
media, parents

8. Bandura’s research
‘Bobo Doll’ Experiment
Showed that children often imitated aggressive
behaviour of adults towards the large inflatable
dolls.
When the child was rewarded or saw the adult
being rewarded for the aggressive behaviour the
level of aggression increased.
Can you think of an example in sport where
aggressive behaviour is learnt in this way?

9. Bandura’s research (1965)
‘Bobo Doll’ Experiment
Showed that children often imitated aggressive behaviour of
adults towards the large inflatable dolls.
When the child was rewarded or saw the adult being
rewarded for the aggressive behaviour the level of
aggression increased.
In relation to sport; a young boy who is taken to a
football match by his father may witness aggressive
behaviour by adults in the crowd. The child imitates
the behaviour of the adults.
The way the father reacts to this could have positive or
negative effects on the future behaviour of the young
supporter.

10. Apply it to sport!!
Vicarious experience: Performers who watch other
performers achieving the task will often feel thay
are also capable of being successful.
Therefore; if a player acts aggressively and
achieves their goal; an observer may feel they can
achieve this goal in the same way. (Vicarious or
observational learning)
TASK: Provide your own example of how
aggressive behaviour may be learnt in a sporting
environment. The example I have provided is
based around spectator; your example should be
based around performer.

11. Does the reward outweigh the
punishment?
Social learning theorist believe that situation has a
big influence on the performers aggressive
behaviour. Early in a young performers
development they will be aware of which
situations aggressive behaviour is acceptable and
unacceptable.
If the reward (pride, prestige, winning) outweighs
the punishment (red card, sin bin, penalty,
stopping a sure goal) then a performer is willing
to break the rules.
Thinking positively, SLT’s also recognise that if
aggressive behaviour can be learnt; performers
can also learn to be non – aggressive.

12. TASK
Answer the question below providing a sporting
example to illustrate you answer.
What effect might a high profile performer
acting in an aggressive way have on ensuring
young people adopt a healthy and active
lifestyle? (5)
Consider:
 How young people imitate their role models.
 The effect that aggressive behaviour may
have on a young person thinking about
starting a new sport.