Learning Approach - Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What is SLT about?
( general understanding- not AO1)

Answer 1

• extension of learning approach
• SLT is not a behaviourist approach
• bandura said c.c and o.c could not exp all human bhv so he suggested the social learning theory

Question 2

What are the assumptions of SLT?

Answer 2

• learning is thru observing + imitating a model
• considers cognitive thoughts involved in learning bhv, we have free will as we can choose which model to identify with
• we learn bhv directly thru being rewarded or punished AND indirectly thru seeing someone else rewarded or punished

Question 3

What are the 2 features of SLT ?

Answer 3

• observational learning
• four mediational processes (ARRM)

Question 4

Describe the observational learning feature?

Answer 4

• IDENTIFICATION is where an indv identifies with a role model
• due to similarity or status
• wants to be like the role model
• therefore observes bhv + more likely to imitate bhvs of model
• VICARIOUS REINFORCEMENT is when indv sees role model rewarded for bhv
• then increases chance for indv observing to imitate bhv + receive same reward
• this is indirect reinforcement
• MODELLING is process of role model showing observer specific bhv to be imitated

Question 5

Describe the 4 mediational processes (ARRM) feature

Answer 5

• 4 mediational processes occur between stimulus of observing and response of imitating
• first part is attention where a person observes a model perform a behaviour
• next stage is retention where they store a memory of the observed behaviour in LTM, allowing bhv to be retrieved + info is easier to store if bhv is observed repeatedly
• next stage is reproduction where person will imitate the observed behaviour in a similar situation if the person has the skills and capabilities + more likely to be repeated if bhv is simple/easy
• final stage is motivation a person will only imitate the behaviour due to vicarious reinforcement where observer sees the model rewarded for their behaviour so observer imitates
• OR if they identify with a role model due to similarity or status

Question 6

Describe banduras bobo doll study
(Could be asked as AO1 but most likely to be used as AO3)

Answer 6

• bandura investigated to see whether aggressive bhv could be learned through observation
• using children under 5
• he used a controlled env + divided children into 2 conditions
• in aggressive condition, children observed role model acting aggressively towards bobo doll + using new bhvs to children and using verbal aggression
• bandura found significantly higher phsyical + verbal aggression scores
• in non - aggressive condition, children observed model play with toys quietly, ignoring bobo doll
• bandura found 70% of children had 0 ratings of aggression
• other findings included that both genders were more influenced by male + boys were more aggressive than girls
• he concluded observation of bhv can lead to learning to imitate
• ppl are more likely to imitate male aggression models as physical aggression is perceived as more of a male appropiate bhv

Question 7

What are three peels to evaluate social learning theory?

Answer 7

RTS - bandura bobo doll study
Prac apps - gov advertisements
Soft determinism - element of free will of choosing role models