Approaches - Social learning theory Flashcards
what are the assumptions
- learning can occur directly and indirectly
- imitation and observation of others
what is vicarious reinforcement
- reinforcement not directly experiences but occurs through observing someone else’s behaviour being reinforced
what are mediational processes
cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
what are the 4 mediational processes
Attention - extent to which we notice certain behaviours
Retention - how well the behaviour is remembered
Motor Reproduction - ability to perform the behaviour
Motivation - will to perform the behaviour
what is identification
a desire to be associated with a particular person or group as they have desirable characteristics
what is modelling
Observer’s perspective
- imitating the behaviour of a role model
Role model’s perspective
- precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that can be imitated
what did Bandura research
-1961
- recorded behaviour of young children who watched an adult behave in an aggressive way to a bobo doll
- children behaved much more aggressively than a control group
what did Bandura and Walters research
- 1963
- showed videos to children where an adult behaved aggressively
- 1st group saw adult praised
- 2nd group saw adult punished
- 3rd group saw no consequence
- 1st group showed more aggression, 3rd group. 2nd
what are the strengths of social learning theory
Cognitive factors
- recognises importance of cognitive factors whereas behaviourist approach doesn’t
- more comprehensive explanation of human behaviour
Real world application
- can explain cultural differences in behaviour, SLT principles (modelling, imitation) can account for how children learn from others
what are the limitations of social learning theory
Contrived lab studies
- demand characteristics
- children behaved in a way they thought was expected of them
- makes too little reference to the influence of biological factors
