4.3 Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What is the social learning theory?

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with cognitive factors

Question 2

Who proposed the social learning theory?

Answer 2

Bandura

Question 3

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 3

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else be reinforced for behaviour

Question 4

What is modelling?

Answer 4

• When the observer imitates a role model
• The precise demonstration of behaviour from a role model that may be imitated

Question 5

What is imitation?

Answer 5

Copying the behaviour of others

Question 6

What are mediational processes?

Answer 6

Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response e.g thinking

Question 7

What are the 4 mediational processes identified by Bandura?

Answer 7

1. Attention - the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
2. Retention - how well the behaviour is remembered
3. Motor reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform behaviour
4. Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour (determined by whether behaviour rewarded or punished)

Question 8

What is the role of identification in the social learning theory?

Answer 8

People are more likely to imitate people they identify with, those with similar characteristics and/or are attractive and have high status

Question 9

Describe Bandura’s bobo doll study?

Answer 9

• Condition 1: 24 children watched adult behave aggressively towards doll by hitting with hammer
• Condition 2: 24 children exposed to non-aggressive model. played in quiet subdued manner
• Condition 3: 24 children used as control group and not exposed to any model
• Children who observed aggressive model were observed behaving much more aggressively towards doll than others

Question 10

Two strengths of social learning theory

Answer 10

Cognitive factors
- Importance of cognitive factors recognized
- Classical and operant conditioning not an adequate explanation alone
- Humans store information and base behaviour on it
- SLT provides more comprehensive explanation

Real- world application
- Able to explain cultural differences in behaviour
- SLT principles such as modelling, imitation and reinforcement accounts for how children learn from those around them
- Explains hows cultural norms transmitted in societies
- Useful in understanding development of gender roles, increased value of approach

Question 11

One limitation of social learning theory

Answer 11

Contrived lab studies
- Bandura’s ideas developed though observation of young childrens behaviour in lab
- Lab studies criticized for demand characteristics
- Children in bobo doll study simply behaved in way thought expected
- Research may tell us little about aggression in everyday life