Approaches - social learning theory Flashcards
What is the social learning theory?
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
Social learning theory agrees with behaviourist ideas that behaviour results from learnt experiences but what do they disagree with?
Ignoring internal mental processes, suggesting they must be present for learning.
Focuses on learning taking place in a social context due to exposure to others behaviour
What are the four mediational processes in learning?
What do they mean?
Attention - whether the behaviour is being noticed
Retention - whether the behaviour is being remembered
Motor reproduction - being able to do it
Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour
Vicarious reinforcement
Indirect reinforcement through observing the behaviours of others. It is a form of reinforcement which is not directly experience but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for their behaviour
Imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded
- Thus the learner observes the behaviour
Identification
People are more likely to imitate the behaviour of those with whom they identify. Such role models are similar to the observer, attractive and have high status
Procedure of Bandura’s research
Children watched either
- An adult behaving aggressively towards a Bobo doll
- An adult behaving non aggressively
Bandura’s findings and conclusions
When given their own doll to play with. the children who had seen aggression were much more aggressive towards the doll
Bobo doll study suggests that children are more likely to imitate acts of violence if they observe these in an adult role model
What are the strengths of the social learning theory (2)
- Acknowledges cognitive mental processing
- Real world application
Strength of the SLT: Acknowledges mental processes
P: One strength of the SLT is that it acknowledges cognitive mental processes
E: For example, the theory addresses how a person’s cognitions—such as their ability to pay attention, retain information, reproduce, and be motivated—affect the way they behave, something that the behaviourist approach ignores.
E: This demonstrates that the SLT regards human learning as a conscious interaction with the environment rather than as a passive product of our surroundings, which contributes support to the theory. SLT is therefore regarded as being less reductionist and more holistic
L: Increases the validity of SLT
Strength of the SLT: Real world application
P: One strength of the SLT is its practical application
E: A study by Andsager et al. (2006) showed that “identification with a character or example may increase the likelihood that audiences will model behaviour presented in an anti-alcohol message.” SLT has also been used to investigate and evaluate the impact of advertising.
E: Thus, the application of SLT principles can benefit health promotion programmes and indirectly aid in the fight against harmful behaviours such as alcoholism.
L: This increases the value of SLT as it can account for real world behaviour
What are the limitations for the social learning theory (2)
- SLT relies too heavily on evidence from contrived lab studies
- Underestimates the influence of biological factors
Limitation of the SLT: Evidence from contrived lab studies
P: One limitation is SLT relies too heavily on evidence from contrived lab studies
E: Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed through observation of children’s behaviour in lab settings and this raises the problem of demand characteristics.
E: Regarding the Bobo doll, the kids were acting in a way they believed was appropriate because the doll’s main purpose is to strike it
L: Therefore tells us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday life
Limitation of the SLT: Underestimates the influence of biological factors
P: A criticism raised by SLT is that, while modelling is clearly a contributing element to aggression, there exist other unaccounted explanations as well that, when taken as a whole, offer a more coherent account of violence.
E Excess testosterone is a major cause in aggressive behaviour, according to biological explanations of aggression. The salivary testosterone levels of 69 convicts were tested by Dabbs et al. Findings showed that people with higher testosterone levels had a history of violent crimes, while people with lower testosterone levels were more likely to have committed non-violent offences.
E: This demonstrates that aggressive behaviour cannot always be caused just by copying role models. It could be the case that people with high testosterone levels are more likely to pay attention to and imitate violent behaviour in others.
L: Therefore, by itself, the SLT explanation offers an uncertain image of aggressiveness.
