Which study exemplifies the concept of identification?

The concept of identification refers to a psychological process where an individual adopts the behaviors, attitudes, or values of another person, usually someone they admire or look up to, often as a result of social influence. In Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment, children observed an adult behaving aggressively towards a Bobo doll and subsequently imitated these behaviors when given the opportunity. This study directly demonstrates the concept of identification because it highlights how children adopted behaviors they saw modeled by the adult, indicating that they were influenced by that figure.

While Zimbardo's prison study is significant for exploring themes of authority, conformity, and the impact of situational factors on behavior, it primarily examines how roles and power dynamics can shape behavior rather than focusing specifically on identification. Therefore, Bandura's experiment is the prime illustration of identification, showcasing how observed behavior can be internalized and acted upon by individuals, particularly in the context of children observing role models.