Chapter 4C

Question 1

observational learning

Answer 1

observational learning is a social-cognitive process that occurs when someone watches a models actions and consequences to guide there future behaviour. it is a type of social learning that requires behaviour to be modelled under certain conditions in order for a learner to acquire and adopt the same behaviour.

Question 2

the social learning theory

Answer 2

the social learning theory emphasises the importance of environment or social contexts where learning occurs, particularly through vicarious conditions. this is when an individual watches a model displaying a behaviour that is either reinforced or punished and accordingly choose to display or avoid that behaviour themselves. it consist of vicarious punishment and vicarious reinforcement

Question 3

vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

increases the likelihood of the observer behaving in a similar way to a model whose behaviour is being reinforced through the addition of a desirable stimulus, or removal of an aversive stimulus

Question 4

vicarious punishment

Answer 4

decreases the likelihood of an observer performing a certain behaviour after having seen a model be punished for that behaviour through the addition of an aversive stimulus or removal of a desirable stimulus

Question 5

steps in obervational learning

Answer 5

• attention
• retention
• reproduction
• motivation
• reinforcement

Question 6

attention

Answer 6

when an individual actively focuses on a models behaviour whilst ignoring and therefore excluding all other stimuli. the greater similarity a model has to the observer, the closer attention the observer will pay

Question 7

retention

Answer 7

the observer must store an accurate mental representation of the observed behaviour so that it may be reproduced when necessary

Question 8

reproduction

Answer 8

the observer converts the mental representation into behaviour. to do this, they must have the ability to imitate the behaviour. they must possess the necessary motor skills to perform the same actions

Question 9

motivation

Answer 9

the observer wants to reproduce the observed behaviour and perceives some benefit

Question 10

reinforcement

Answer 10

the observer wants to reproduce the observed behaviour, thereby increasing the likelihood of reproduction. the types of reinforcement include
- external reinforcement
-vicarious reinforcement
- self reinforcement
- self efficacy

Question 11

external reinforcement

Answer 11

reinforcement provided by another person such as a parent

Question 12

vicarious reinforcement

Answer 12

occurs indirectly by observing a modelled behaviour being reinforced

Question 13

self reinforcement

Answer 13

reinforced by meeting standards we set for ourselves, such a fulfilling a sense of pride

Question 14

self efficacy

Answer 14

refers to our belief is our own abilities. an observer is more likely to imitate a models behaviour if they have low self esteem

Question 15

factors that influence whether we imitate a model

Answer 15

• model is familiar to us through previous observation
• model has similar features
• models response is physically possible for the learner to imitate
• model is high status, positively perceived or stand out from competing models