1.3 Social learning theory Flashcards
What was SLT developed to take into account?
Social factors and mental processes.
What do SLtheorists focua on?
Observational learning in humans.
What are the 5 basic assumptions?
- Behaviour is learnt through observation and imitation.
- Modelling.
- Identification.
- Reinforcement can be vicarious.
- Mediating cognitive factors (such as mental processes) occur between stimulus and response.
How does SLT believe behaviour is learnt?
Behaviour is learnt through observation and imitation.
What is modelling?
Modelling is performing a behaviour demonstrated by a model.
What does identification involve?
Identification with someone involves a desire to be like then and therefore intimidate them.
What does vicarious reinforcement mean?
We can learn through observation of the consequences for others of their actions.
What do the mediating cognitive factors occur between?
Mediating cognitive factors (such as mental processes) occur between stimulus and response.
What are the two reasons that we are more likely to show modelling behaviour?
- If the model is seen to be of higher status and similar to ourselves.
- If the behaviour is seen to be appropriate and rewarded.
What do SL Theorists carry out experiments with?
Humans - observational studies.
What is the main study for SLT?
Bandura - using a bobo doll.
Explain the Bandura?
They showed children an adult (model) being aggressive towards a bobo doll. I was found that the children would model the behaviour, depending on whether the model was seen to be rewarded or punished.
What are mediating cognitive factors?
Mental processes like memory and thinking.
Two strengths of the SLT?
- It considers the role of cognitive factors in learning.
- It explains the learning of behaviours such as aggression.
Two limitations of SLT?
- The bobo doll study lacks ecological validity
- Not all behaviours are learnt through observation and can be readily copied. Some take years of practice.
