[Approaches] Topic 3 - Social learning theory

Question 1

Social Learning Theory

Answer 1

In order for SLT to take place, someone must model an attitude or behaviour. A model provides an example of behaviour that can be observered and later copied

• Imitation is the process of copying an observed behaviour and is more likely to occur when identification takes place. Research suggests (Shutts et al) that children are more likely to identify with and learn from models who are similar to them.
• Finally research has also found (Bandura and Walter) that children who observe a model receiving rewards are much more likely to imitate their behaviour. This is known as vicarious reinforcements

Question 2

Bandura’s study

Answer 2

Bandura conducted an experiment to examine SLT in children.

• Children observed an aggressive or non-aggressive adult model and were tested for imitative learning
• The children who observed the aggressive model imitated a good deal of the aggressive verbal and physical behaviour
• None of the children viewing the non-aggressive model made verbally aggressive remarks
• In addition in a follow up study, children who saw the model being rewarded for their aggressive acts were more likely to demonstrate aggression.

Question 3

One strength of SLT is the application to criminal behaviour

Answer 3

• One strength of SLT is the application to criminal behaviour
• Akers found that the probability of someone engaging in criminal behaviour increases when they are exposed to models who commit crimes.
• Therefore if an individual identifies with a criminal model and develops expectations of positive consequences for their own criminal behaviour they are likely to copy this behaviour
• Important as it helps psychologist understand and identify factors that lead to criminal behaviors

Question 4

Criticism of slt is the problem of causality

Answer 4

• Criticism of SLT is the problem of causality
• Siegel and McCormick argue that young people who possess deviant attitudes and values are more likely to seek peers with similar attitudes and behaviours. It may be that humans do not observe and imitate behaviours but those with delinquent attitudes seek out similar peers. Which suggests that SLT is not the cause of delinquent behaviours and other explanations may account for the learning of negative behaviours.