Bandura's Social Learning Theory

Question 1

List the 4 steps of the observational learning process, according to Bandura’s theory.

Answer 1

1. Attention
2. Retention
3. Reproduction
4. Motivation

Question 2

Describe the ATTENTION step in the observational learning process

Answer 2

Learning cannot take place unless you pay attention to what is happening.

Question 3

Describe the RETENTION step in the observational learning process

Answer 3

Ability to remember the observed behaviours is an important part of the learning process.

Question 4

Describe the REPRODUCTION step in the observational learning process

Answer 4

Learning has taken place when the observer is physically or intellectually capable of producing the observed actions subsequently.

Question 5

Describe the MOTIVATION step in the observational learning process

Answer 5

For observational learning to be successful, the observer must be motivated to imitate the behaviour that he/she has learned.

Reinforcement and punishment play an important role in motivating learnt behaviours.

Reinforcements may include:
- Direct reinforcement, such as rewards for actually behaviour.

Question 6

Name 2 Developmental Tasks and General Characteristics for children aged from birth to 18 months.

Answer 6

Developmental Tasks

1. Learning how to get their needs met
2. Learning spatial concepts

General Characteristics

1. Experience distress when separated from their caregivers
2. Able to stack things, put things in and take things out

Question 7

Name 2 Developmental Tasks and General Characteristics for children aged from 18 months to 3 years.

Answer 7

Developmental Tasks

1. Becoming more independent
2. Developing autonomy versus guilt and shame

General Characteristics

1. Become frustrated easily due to inability to communicate their own thoughts
2. Frequent tantrums are expression of frustration

Question 8

Name 2 Developmental Tasks and General Characteristics for children aged from 4 to 5 years.

Answer 8

Developmental Tasks

1. Continuing to explore their world and discover how it works (distinguishing between reality and fantasy)
2. Acquiring socially appropriate behaviours

General Characteristics

1. Ask a lot of questions as they try to understand the world
2. Like to be involved in many activities and some begin to be quite sociable

Question 9

Name 2 Developmental Tasks and General Characteristics for children aged from 6 to 11 years.

Answer 9

Developmental Tasks

1. Accepting and following rules
2. Learning and applying many new skills, including ability to reason

General Characteristics

1. May test rules, disagree with them, break them or try to set their own rules.
2. Eager to learn new skills

Question 10

Name 2 Developmental Tasks and General Characteristics for children aged from 12 to 18 years.

Answer 10

Developmental Tasks

1. Accepting change in physical appearance due to onset of puberty
2. Separating emotionally from parents

General Characteristics

1. Rapid physical growth and change due to onset of puberty
2. Can become very critical of everything that their parents say and believe in