Approaches - Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Who proposed social learning theory
Albert Bandura
How is behaviour learned in SLT
Through observation and imitation
Process of SLT
Modelling
Imitation
Vicarious reinforcement
Mediational processes
Identification
When a person is more likely to copy a role model when the role model has similar or desirable traits: Age, Gender, Higher class
Types of role models
Live (real life)
Symbolic (fake eg. characters)
Imitation
Observer copying the role models behaviour
Vicarious Reinforcement
Observing the role models consequence makes imitation more or less likely
4 Mediational Processes
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
Attention
Observer has to focus on the behaviour to be able to copy it
Retention
Behaviour has to be remembered by observer to be copied
Reproduction
Belief that they can replicate the behaviour modelled
Motivation
Do the benefits of the behaviour outweigh the costs?
Strengths of SLT
-Emphasises role of mental processes (therefore more holistic)
-Supported by research
Weaknesses of SLT
-Underestimates role of biology (eg.hormones)
-Does not account for behaviour occurring with no role model
When was Banduras Bobo Doll study
1961
Hypothesis of Bandura 1961
Children exposed to an aggressive model will copy the behaviour they see
Bandura 1961 Sample
36 boys and 36 girls aged 3-6
Group A in Bandura 1961
Observed non aggressive model (10 mins)
Group B in Bandura 1961
Observed aggressive model (10 mins)
Group C in Bandura 1961
Didn’t observe a model
How long were the children given in the experimental room (Bandura 1961)
20 minutes
Examples of toys in Bandura 1961 experiment room
Bobo dolls
Mallet
Tea sets
Farm animals
Paper and crayons
How much of Group A showed aggression ( Bandura 1961)
30%
Which group showed higher aggression levels (Bandura 1961)
Group B
What year was Bandura and Walters
1963
Aim of Bandura and Walters 1963
Study the effect of vicarious reinforcement on learning behaviour
Experimental groups in Bandura and Walters 1963
All saw aggressive model
A- saw model being praised
B- saw model being punished
C- saw no consequence (control)
Findings of Bandura and Walters 1963
Group A were most aggressive, then group C, then group B
(Praise, control, punishment)
Strengths of Bandura’s studies
-Standardised procedure so high replicability
-Real world application to parenting and teaching styles
Weaknesses of Banduras studies
-Only tests on children so does not show how adults learn new behaviours
-Low ecological validity as lab experiment so strange environment for the children
