learning approach - social learning theory

Question 1

What is the social learning theory?

Answer 1

. extension of the learning approach
. Bandura claimed classical conditioning and operant conditioning not explain all human behaviour - suggested SLT

Question 2

Assumptions

Answer 2

. SLT suggest learning is through observing and imitating a model
. considers cognitive factors involved in learning behaviour - we have element of free will can choose who (model) we identify with

Question 3

Feature 1: observational learning

Answer 3

. identification
. imitation
. vicarious reinforcement
. modelling

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

. individual associates them self with role model
. due to similarity or status
. want to be like the role model
. so person more likely imitate behaviour of models

Question 5

Imitation

Answer 5

. individual observed behaviour from role model
. and copies it

Question 6

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 6

. see role model rewarded for particular behaviour
. increases chance observer imitate behaviour
. to receive same reward
. is indirect reinforcement

Question 7

Modelling

Answer 7

. process of imitating behaviour of role model
. from role models view they are
. precisely showing observer specific behaviour to imitate

Question 8

Feature 2: the four meditational processes (ARRM)

Answer 8

. four meditational processes occur between
. stimulus (observing) and response (imitating)
. Attention
. Retention
. Reproduction
. Motivation

Question 9

Attention

Answer 9

. learning occurs when they attend to model’s behaviour
. attention must be captured

Question 10

Retention

Answer 10

. to reproduce model’s behaviour must store memory
. of behaviour in LTM
. allowing behaviour to be remembered
. more likely if information easy to store, memorable, observed repeatedly

Question 11

Reproduction

Answer 11

. individuals must have skills and capabilities
. be confident could reproduce model’s behaviour
. more likely if behaviour easy to replicate/simple

Question 12

Motivation

Answer 12

. individual motivated to imitate behaviour
. as seen someone else rewarded for behaviour - vicarious reinforcement
. or as identify with model - e.g. similarity or status

Question 13

AO1 for Bandura’s bobo doll study

Answer 13

. AIM - see whether aggressive behaviour learned through observation
. SAMPLE - 36 boys and 36 girls (3-5 years)
. PROCEDURE - controlled environment, divided into 2 conditions, non aggressive condition = observed model assemble toys quiet manner ignore bobo doll, aggressive condition = observed model acting aggressively towards bobo doll
. FINDINGS - children in aggressive condition significantly higher physical/verbal aggression scores than non aggressive/control, 70% children in non aggressive/control zero ratings of aggression, both genders more influence male model, boys more aggressive girls
. CONCLUSION - observation of behaviour lead to imitative learning, people more likely imitate male aggressive models, physical aggression perceived more male appropriate behaviour

Question 14

AO3 for Bandura’s bobo doll study

Answer 14

P - RTS SLT by Bandura
E - found when children observed model acting aggressively towards bobo doll more likely imitate aggressive behaviour
E - whereas 70% children observed non-aggressive model or no model showed zero ratings aggression
L - so evidencing how observation of behaviour lead imitative behaviour importance of role model as SLT suggests

Question 15

AO3 for SLT: scientific methods

Question 16

AO3 for SLT: practical applications

Question 17

AO3 for SLT: behaviourist approach

Question 18

AO3 for SLT: biological explanation