Criminal Psychology and Social Influence
This page focuses on studies in criminal psychology and social influence, exploring factors that contribute to aggressive behavior and social dynamics.
Bandura, Ross, and Ross's study on children's modeling of aggression:
- Participants: 72 children divided into three groups (aggressive, non-aggressive, control)
- Method: Children observed adult models interacting with a Bobo doll
- Findings: Children in the aggressive group displayed the most aggressive behavior, with boys showing more aggression than girls
Example: This study demonstrates how children can learn aggressive behaviors through observation, supporting social learning theory.
Charlton et al.'s research on TV's effect on children's aggression:
- Method: Natural study over 5 years, measuring behavior before and after TV introduction
- Findings: No significant change in aggression levels
Highlight: This longitudinal study provides ecological validity but is limited to a single community.
Piliavin et al.'s bystander effect study:
- Setting: New York subway
- Variables: Victim's sobriety, age, and race
- Findings: People were more likely to help in smaller groups, men offered more help, and individuals were more likely to assist those similar to themselves
Vocabulary: Bystander effect - the phenomenon where individuals are less likely to offer help in the presence of other people
Milgram's obedience study:
- Participants: 40 male volunteers
- Method: Participants instructed to administer electric shocks to a confederate
- Aim: Measure obedience to authority figures
These studies in criminal psychology and social influence provide valuable insights into human behavior in various social contexts, contributing to our understanding of aggression, helping behavior, and obedience.
Definition: Social influence refers to the ways in which individuals change their behavior to meet the demands of a social environment.
