Intro to Psych: Observational Learning & Violent Media Mini Research Paper

Does violent video games and movies cause violent children and teens? Since Bandura's famous Bobo Doll Experiment and the advent of television viewership, parents and society as a whole have been concerned about violent media and the effects it has on young minds. In this three day lesson, students will analyze a multitude of sources on this divisive topic and decide for themselves whether society should be concerned about violence in mass media.

Throughout the lesson students will:

1) Respond to a Bell Ringer that asks them to consider whether they think violence in video games and movies causes teens to be more violent.

2) Read an article about the famous Bobo Doll Experiment that reveals the dark side of Observational Learning.

3) Listen to an audio recording about recent experiments conducted on the influence of violent media and gather textual evidence to support both sides of the issue.

4) Conduct research by analyzing various articles on the topic and gathering important information from these articles.

5) Synthesize research findings into a mini-research paper in which they decide whether or not violent media is detrimental.

6) Finish with an exit ticket that asks them to demonstrate their understanding of observational learning.

Lesson Extension Materials Included!