Approaches - Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

Albert bandura agreed with the behaviourist approach however he proposed that behaviour can be learned in a different way, through observation and imitation.

Question 2

Imitation

Answer 2

Copying the behaviour of others

Question 3

Identification

Answer 3

When a person associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like that role model

Question 4

Modelling

Answer 4

From the observers perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. From the role models perspective, modelling is demonstration of a specific behaviour imitated by an observer

Question 5

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 5

Reinforcement that is not directly experienced, but occurs by observing someone else being reinforced for a certain behaviour.

Question 6

Mediational Processes

Answer 6

• Cognitive factors (i.e thinking)
• Influence learning and come between stimulus and response
• Attention - extent the behaviour is noticed
• Retention - how well the behaviour is remembered
• Motor reproduction - the ability of the observer performing the behaviour
• Motivation - Imitating the behaviour based on consequence

Question 7

Bandura et al

Answer 7

• Bobo doll
• Children watched adults perform aggressive, and kind actions to the doll
• Children who saw aggressive adults, imitated their behaviour when presented with the doll
• Children who saw kind behaviour imitated the adults behaviour and showed kindness when presented with the doll

Question 8

Evaluation

Answer 8

Strength:

• Explains cultural differences in behaviour
• Account how children, anywhere, learn from other individuals around them
• No cultural bias

Limitation:

• Underestimates biological factors
• Boys can be more aggressive than girls, regardless of the experimental situation as this could be as a result from the testosterone hormone.