L4 - Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Define social learning

Answer 1

New patterns of behaviour learnt through observing others and the consequences of their actions e.g. rewards/punishment

Question 2

What are the 4 key points about social learning?

Answer 2

Modelling
Imitation
Identification
Vicarious reinforcement

Question 3

What’s modelling?

Answer 3

Need a person to carry out the behaviour so the observer can learn
Can be live or symbolic

Question 4

What’s imitation?

Answer 4

Copying

Models characteristics, observer’s ability to carry it out, and consequences are crucial

Question 5

What’s identification?

Answer 5

Extent to which observer related to model and feels similar

Question 6

What’s vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 6

Observing the model being rewarded or punished affects whether observer will do behaviour or not
Indirect

Question 7

What are mediational processes?

Answer 7

Forming a mental representation of the behaviour displayed and its consequences
4 key points

Question 8

What are the 4 key points of mediational processes?

Answer 8

Attention
Retention
Motor reproduction
Motivation

Question 9

What’s an advantage related to forensic psychology?

Answer 9

Found criminals more likely to engage in criminal behaviour when exposed to model they highly identify with
Rewards increased likelihood

Question 10

Advantage related to approaches?

Answer 10

Not just behavioural but also cognitive
Combines two so ignores less unlike CC/OC
More comprehensive

Question 11

Disadvantage related to role models

Answer 11

Doesn’t account for when children have no role model but still display same behaviours as those with a role model
Other factors

Question 12

Bobo doll study procedure

Answer 12

36 f/m children observed male/female non/aggressive model towards Bobo doll
Made to feel frustrated by being shown toys but couldn’t play then went in room w Bobo doll and observed

Question 13

Evaluation of Bobo doll

Answer 13

Lab experiment so repeatable and no EVs
Could be biological factors causing aggression e.g. testosterone in boys
Children not adults so low generalisation?

Question 14

Findings related to verbal aggression

Answer 14

33% who saw aggressive were aggressive compared to 0% who viewed non aggressive

Question 15

When was aggression highest in the bobo study

Answer 15

Boys more aggressive

Higher when observed same-sex model