L5) social learning theory

Question 1

outline the theory briefly

Answer 1

Agreed with behaviourism principles but argued to understanding behaviour we need to recognise learning as a cognitive process which happens in a social context.

Question 2

define imitation

Answer 2

The copying of the behaviour of others, especially a role model.

Question 3

define identification

Answer 3

A social process whereby we associate ourselves with another person and so want to be like them. This is more likely when we see ourselves as similar and/or the other person is of high status.

Question 4

Define modelling

Answer 4

The demonstration of a behaviour by a model that may be imitated by a learner/observer.
Live models - parents,family friends
Symbolic models - characters from fiction

Question 5

Define vicarious reinforcement

Answer 5

A form of indirect learning where we are more likely to perform a behaviour if we have seen others rewarded for doing it.

Question 6

Outline mediational processes

Answer 6

Cognitive factors that influence learning, including attention, retention, motor reproduction ability and motivation. These occur between observation of a stimulus and our response.

Question 7

explain what is meant by vicarious reinforcement

Answer 7

A form of indirect learning where we are more likely to perform a behaviour if we have seen others rewarded for doing it.
* Observing someone around us serves as a template for our actions - when we see someone rewarded we are likely to Imitate it (behaviour is reinforced) but if they are punished we are less likely to adapt the behaviour.

1) Observer identifies themself in a desirable model

2) Model displays a specific behaviour that is imitated → likelihood of this behaviour being imitated if the role model is vicariously reinforced (rewarded)

3) So the consequences of the observed behaviour are more important than the observations alone.

Question 8

identify the four mediational processes

Answer 8

1. attention
2. retention
3. motor reproduction
4. motivation

Question 9

explain attention

Answer 9

extent to which behaviours are noticed by focussing on the model

Question 10

explain retention

Answer 10

how well the behaviour is remembered

Question 11

explain motor reproduction

Answer 11

ability of the observer to perform the behaviour in term of capabilities

Question 12

Explain motivation

Answer 12

the will to perform behaviour - determined by the consequence

Question 13

which of the two mediational processes refer to the learning?

Answer 13

• attention
• retention

Question 14

What two of the mediation processes refer to performance of behaviours ?

Answer 14

Motor reproduction and motivation

Question 15

Does learning and performing have to occur together?

Answer 15

This learning and performance do not have to occur together; observed behaviours can be stored and reproduced at a later stage - SLT state that observed behaviours are internalised meaning they store memories for use and when needed so can occur at a later stage.

Question 16

Assumptions - causes of behaviour

Answer 16

Behaviour occurs directly ( through classical and operant conditioning) or indirectly through (vicarious reinforcement)

Question 17

Do they favour the scientific method?

Answer 17

Uses lab studies with a high amount of control

Question 18

Bandurs bobo study procedure

Answer 18

• Tested 36 boys 36 girls aged 3-6 → pre tested judging their aggression → had 2 independent observers which showed a correlation of 0.8+
• Lab experiment - independent groups design
• Aggressive model shown to 24 / non aggressive to 24/ no model to 24
• Children then put alone in room with doll or 20 mins and their behaviour was observed through a one way mirror

Question 19

findings and conclusions of bandura’s study

Answer 19

Children who observed the aggressive model were made ore aggressive response than in control or non aggressive
* Demonstrated the role of identification as - boys more likely to mimic aggression after observing a male rather than a female

Question 20

Applications evaluation

Answer 20

Has application to real lie → understanding of modelling and identification has improved success of health campaigns

Andsager → concluded that a model improved anti-alcohol campaigns
Has an application in explaining criminality in terms of modelling and reinforced violence

Question 21

Reductionis evaluation

Answer 21

It is not a complete explanation
Ignores the role of biology → key in determining many behaviours → reduces the validity as a theory of behaviour

counter
But it is to note it does combine both environmental (reinorcement) and cognitive (mental representations) factors which makes it better than behaviourism
As it acknowledges the roles of consciousness and cognitive factors through the mediational processes that inform behaviour

On balance, it is less simplistic/ reductionist than many other approaches giving it more credibility but it is not a complete explanation

Question 22

Scientific evaluation

Answer 22

It has a large amount of supporting evidence
Bandura’s study
High internal validity → lab / control- standardisation of same procedure/ measured aggression beforehand / independent observers
But it is to note
With this high control it puts ecological validity into question as measuring aggression in a lab environment may not translate to real world scenarios - such as an imitation within school environments.
Raises doublts about the value of the research as may not be applicable to every day life