Approaches: Social learning theory AO1 Flashcards
Who is the main researcher for social learning theory?
Bandura
Bandura proposed a way that people learned. People learned through?
Learned through observation and imitation of others within a social context
How is imitation through modelling done? (3 ways)
It is when people imitate the behaviour of models if:
1. The person identifies with the model (eg. same age)
2. They believe they have the ability to reproduce behaviour.
3. There are positive consequences of the behaviour.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Reinforcement that is indirectly experienced as it occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour
According to vicarious reinforcement, imitation only occurs if?
The behaviour is seen to be rewarded.
- Thus, learner observes both behaviour and consequences of the behaviour.
What does meditational processes focus on?
Focuses on how mental factors (e.g. thinking) are involved in learning
What are the four mediational processes in learning identified by Bandura?
- Attention
- Retention
- Motor reproduction
- Motivation
What is attention?
the extent to which we notice behaviour
What is retention?
How well the behaviour is remembered.
What is motor reproduction?
The ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
What is motivation?
The will to perform behaviour, which is determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished
BANDURA CASE STUDY
What was the aim?
Investigate whether children would imitate aggressive behaviour modelled by adults.
BANDURA CASE STUDY
What were the 3 conditions?
- saw aggressive model hitting bobo doll
- saw non-agressive model playing quietly
- had no model (control group)
BANDURA CASE STUDY
Who were the participants?
72 children with a 50/50 split of boys and girls
What were the children made to do?
Left in a playroom with a bobo doll (and with/without model) through a one way-mirror for 20 minutes.
BANDURA CASE STUDY
What were the findings and conclusion?
- Children who observed the aggressive model were more likely to imitate aggressive behaviour
- Concludes that the study demonstrated that children learn behaviours by observing others.
What did Bandura argue?
That observational learning is important
