Under what conditions should punishment be most and least effective in reducing aggression? From the perspective of social learning theory, explain why punishment might increase rather than decrease aggression

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Punishment is most likely to be effective in decreasing aggression when it immediately
follows the aggressive behavior, when it is strong enough to be perceived by the
aggressor as a real deterrent, when it is applied consistently, and when it is perceived
by the aggressor as fair and legitimate. In the absence of these conditions, punishment
is less likely to be effective and may even be counterproductive. Punishment is also
less likely to be effective if the aggressor is engaged in instrumental aggression and
thus cannot see any way of obtaining a desired goal other than through aggression, or if
the aggressor is engaged in an act of emotional aggression and continues to be very
angry. Finally, the person being punished may perceive the punishment itself
(particularly if it is delivered in a hostile manner) as a model of aggression, leading the
person to imitate the behavior and thus act aggressively. This latter point is consistent
with social learning theory, which maintains that behavior is learned through imitation of
others as well as through direct experience of rewards and punishments. For example,
a parent who uses aggression to punish a child may act as a model for the child,
unintentionally teaching the child that aggression is an accepted way of dealing with
problems or conflicts.