Approaches: Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Who developed the Social Learning Theory??

Answer 1

Albert Bandura

Question 2

What’s modelling??

Answer 2

People being more likely to imitate the behaviour of people whom they identify with (called role models)

Question 3

What is identification in modelling??

Answer 3

Observer wishes to be like the role model or sees themselves as similar to them

Question 4

What is vicarious reinforcement??

Answer 4

Learner may imitate behaviour but only if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished

Question 5

What are the 4 stages of the mediational processes of how learning occurs??

Answer 5

1, Attention (must be attending to behaviour)
2. Retention (must retain how to do it)
3. Reproduction (must be capable of carrying out behaviour)
4. Motivation (must have reason to carry out behaviour -> reward)

Question 6

What are the 3 evaluation points for SLT??

Answer 6

• Controlled lab observation (bobo doll was high internal validity)
• Considers multiple perspectives
• All behaviour is based on one model

Question 7

Why does the SLT consider multiple perspectives?? (AO3)

Answer 7

Overlaps with cognitive approach meaning it considers mental processes, therefore considering more factors that influence decision making!

Question 8

What does the weakness of the SLT that ‘all behaviour is based on one model’ mean?? (AO3)

Answer 8

The theory states that all behaviour we know and learn is based off of one role model -> Reductionist.

Question 9

What was the aim of the Bobo doll experiment??

Answer 9

To see if children imitate aggression of role models after observing it even if it wasn’t rewarded.

Question 10

What was the procedure of the Bobo doll experiment??

Answer 10

1. 72 American boys & girls aged 3-6 witnessed male/female model behave aggressively/non aggressively towards Bobo doll
2. Then taken to room with Bobo doll in

Question 11

What were the 3 findings from the Bobo doll experiment??

Answer 11

• Those who witnessed aggressive model behaved more aggressively
• Children were more influence by same-sex actors
• Boys were 3x more likely to imitate behaviour