4.1.6 social learning theory Flashcards
what does social learning theory suggest?
Behaviour is learned through observing and imitating behaviours of others and the consequences of other’s behaviour determine whether the behaviour is imitated or not
steps in observational learning
- behaviour is modelled by a role model, e.g. parent, friend or celebrity
- observer identifies with the role model
- behaviour is observed and noted (arrm)
- behaviour is imitated and learned
- whether the behaviour is repeated depends on reinforcement and rewards
who is a model in slt
an individual the observer identifies with and who ‘models’ behaviour
characteristics = same age, sex, likeable and higher status
modelling
one individual (model) demonstrates a particular social behaviour in the presence of someone else
observation in slt
when the observer watches or listens to a model’s
behaviour
what is imitation in slt
copying behaviour modelled by a model
stages of social learning (arrm)
- attention - paying atention to the model is a condition for learning
- retention - remembering what the model did is a condition for imitating the model’s behaviour
- reproduction - people must have the capacity e.g. skills for imitating the behaviour
- motivation - people must be motivated to imitate behaviour (e.g. importance of model or reward)
what is vicarious reinforcement
when an observer witnesses a model being rewarded in some way for their behaviour
social learning theory - supporting evidence
evaluation
P: Supporting evidence
E: Bandura (1961) concluded that if a child is exposed to an aggressive role model they will imitate it and boys were more likely to imitate same sex role models than females.
T: This evidence suggests SLT is a valid explanation of behaviour.
social learning theory - contradicting evidence
evaluation
P: a weakness is that there is a contradicting explanation of behaviour
E: addiction can also be explained through classical conditioning - an individual learns to associate a NS (cigarettes) with an UCS (nicotine) and UCR (pleasure) bond
T: Therefore because there are other ways of explaining behaviour SLT isn’t a complete explanation, therefore validity is lowered.
social learning theory - application
P: a strength of the theory is that it has application to real life in reducing aggression/addiction in young people
E: This can be done by reducing exposure to negative modelled behaviour using age certificates on violent filnms/games and watershed on TV (9pm)
T: this is a strength as the principles of SLT can be used to improve people’s quality of life
social learning theory - weakness
P: a weakness of the theory is that it is reductionist
E: It reduces aggression down to observation and imitation of models, therefore ignores the role of biology. Raine concluded deficits in the prefrontal cortex explain impulsivity, and imbalance in the amygdala can explain irrational emotional behaviour
T: therefore by being reductionist SLT limits its validity as it ignores how brain structure plays a role in our behaviour
social learning theory - conclusion
evaluation
Overall there are strengths and weaknesses of SLT as an explanation, despite its limitations it offers practical ways to reduce addiction and aggression so people can improve their quality of life, however using it in combination with other explanations would improve its effectiveness.
