approaches: social learning theory

Question 1

who developed social learning theory?

Answer 1

albert bandura

Question 2

what is social learning theory?

Answer 2

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

Question 3

what did bandura agree with behaviourists on?

Answer 3

that much of our behaviour is learned through experience

Question 4

what were the 3 key assumptions

Answer 4

1. learning is through observation and imitation of others within a social context
2. role models are key and have a huge influence on behaviour
3. learning is both direct and indirect (vicarious)

Question 5

what is imitation

Answer 5

copying the behaviour of another person

Question 6

what is identification

Answer 6

when an observer themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model

Question 7

what is modelling

Answer 7

(from the observer’s perspective) modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. (from the role model’s perspective) modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer

Question 8

what is vicarious reinforcement

Answer 8

reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour (key factor in imitation)

Question 9

what are mediational processes

Answer 9

cognitive factors (eg, thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response

Question 10

mediational processes: what is attention

Answer 10

the extent to which we notice certain behaviours

Question 11

mediational processes: what is retention

Answer 11

how well the behaviour is remembered

Question 12

mediational processes: motor reproduction

Answer 12

the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour

Question 13

mediational processes: what is motivation

Answer 13

the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished

Question 14

how is social learning theory less determinist than the behaviourist approach?

Answer 14

bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism, in the sense that we are not merely influenced by our external environment, but we also exert influence upon it, through the behaviours that we perform - this element of choice suggests that there is some free will in the way we behave

Question 15

ao3 how did social learning theory account for cultural differences? is this a strength or limitation?

Answer 15

a strength of social learning theory is that it can explain cultural differences in behaviour. social learning principles can account for how children learn from other individuals around them, as well as through the media. this can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies. this has proved useful in understanding a range of behaviours.

Question 16

ao3 does social learning theory consider cognitive factors? how is this a strength/limitation?

Answer 16

A strength of social learning theory is that it recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning. For example, Bandura suggested that important mediational processes were vital in deciding whether a child decided to imitate an aggressive model in their behaviour towards a Bobo doll. This is important as other approaches such as behaviourism argue that operant and classical conditioning can solely explain all learning and behaviour, which fails to take into account the complexity and variation in human behaviour. Therefore, this suggests that social learning theory is a more comprehensive approach than others (such as behaviourism), because it considers both behavioural and cognitive factors. Meaning, it can consider a wide range of behaviours.

Question 17

ao3 how can bandura using lab studies to support evidence for social learning theory a strength and a limitation of the theory?

Answer 17

strength: gives approach scientific credibility and allows strict control of variables and cause and effect can be seen clearly

limitation: criticised for where participants may respond to demand characteristics and in the Bobo doll experiment, the children could’ve been doing what was expected of them

Question 18

ao3 how is social learning theory failing to consider biological factors a limitation of the approach?

Answer 18

Bandura makes little reference to the impact of biological factors on social learning. A consistent finding in the Bobo doll experiment was that boys were often more aggressive than girls, regardless of the specifics of the experimental situation. May be explained by hormonal factors - boys have more testosterone than girls and this makes them more aggressive.