Learning approach: Social learning theory Flashcards
The importance of cognitive factors in learning
Neither classical nor operant conditioning can offer an adequate account of learning on their own. However humans and animals store information about the behaviours of others and choose when it is appropriate to perform certain actions. Bandura said that people solely rely on the information they receive from others and this information is coded and serves as a guide to action. Supports SLT as it provides a comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes
Over reliance on evidence from Lab studies
Bandura’s observations were from lab studies. This means that it is more prone to demand characteristics. The main purpose of the Bobo doll is to strike it so the children simply behaved in the way they were supposed to. Problem as it tell us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday life. So there is less Mundane realism as findings may not be valid
Underestimates the influence of Biological factors
Bandura makes little reference to the impact of biological factors. They found that boys were more aggressive then girls regardless of the specifics of the experimental situation. However hormonal factors such as levels of testosterone is present in boys and not girls and is highly linked to aggressive behaviour . Problem as SLT explanation doesn’t take into account biological factors and therefore cannot compare the findings of SLT between genders.
Social learning theory has useful applications
Due to research into SLT we have increased our understanding of many areas of human behaviour, including criminal behaviour.
Akers suggests that the probability of someone engaging in criminal behaviour increases when they are exposed to models who commit criminal behaviour, they identify with these models and develop the expectation of positive consequences for their own criminal behaviour. Supports as Ulrich says that teh strongest cause of behaviour in adolescence was association with delinquent peer groups, where violence was both modelled and rewarded.
Research support for identification
According to SLT observing a model similar to the self should lead to more learning than observing a dissimilar model. Fox and Bailenson found evidence using computer computer generated virtual human engaging in exercise or merely loitering. The models were either similar or dissimilar to individual ppt. Participants who viewed their virtual model exercising engaged in more exercise in the 24 hours following the experiment than participants who viewed their virtual model merely loitering or a dissimilar model exercising. Supports SLT as greater identification with a model leads to more learning because it is easier to visualise the self in the place of the model, so the observer feels as if he or she is having the same experience
