Mind WondersPlay

Famous ExperimentsSocial Learning

The Bobo Doll

Kids who watched an adult beat up a doll copied every punch

Could you pick up someone's exact move just by watching, then find yourself doing it after they've already left the room?

You'll find out

  • See what stayed after the adult left
  • Separate learning from doing
  • Steal a useful step with your eyes

Why it matters

Spot habits you've picked up by watching, and borrow a better move on purpose.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 52 · Zone 6

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More in this zone

  1. 46ObedienceThe Obedience ExperimentOrdinary people gave what they believed were dangerous shocks because a man in a lab coat said so
  2. 47ConformityThe Line TestWould you call a short line long because everyone else did?
  3. 48Research IntegrityThe Prison That Wasn't What We Were ToldFamous for proving power corrupts; the recordings tell another story
  4. 49Bystander EffectThe 38 Witnesses Who Weren'tThe murder that launched bystander research didn't happen the way the newspaper said
  5. 50HelpingThe Good Samaritan StudySeminary students rushing to give a talk about helping strangers walked past a man in need
  6. 51Group ConflictThe Robbers Cave CampTwo groups of boys became bitter rivals within days, then friends again
  7. 53ExpectationsPygmalion in the ClassroomTeachers were told some kids would bloom, and those kids did
  8. 54AttachmentLove Beats Food: Harlow's MonkeysBaby monkeys chose a soft cloth mother over a wire one that gave milk