Learning Approach: Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What type of approaches are the behaviourist approach and social learning theory?

Answer 1

Learning approaches.

Question 2

Give 3 assumptions of social learning theory.

Answer 2

-Learning occurs directly through c+o conditioning. -Learning occurs indirectly through vicarious reinforcement.
-Learning occurs through mediational processes.

Question 3

What is meant by vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 3

An indirect form of learning.
Where imitation occurs if the observed behaviour is rewarded rather than punished.

Question 4

What are the 4 mediatonal processes, according to Bandura?

Answer 4

ARMM
1. Attention - extent to which we notice specific behaviours.
2. Retention - how well behaviour is remembered.
3. Motor reproduction - ability to perform behaviour.
4. Motivation - whether behaviour was rewarded or punished.

Question 5

What is meant by identification?

Answer 5

The process in which an observer associates themselves with a role model and aspires to be like them.

Question 6

What is meant by modelling?

Answer 6

Where the observer imitates the behaviour of the role model.

Question 7

Outline Bandura’s study.

Answer 7

Procedure: 3 conditions: children exposed to aggressive model, non aggressive and no model.
36 boys, 36 girls, 24 in each condition.

Findings: boys more aggressive than girls.
Aggressive role model resulted in aggressive children.
Girls more physically aggressive if model was male and verbally aggressive if model was female.

Question 8

What is one weakness of social learning theory?

Answer 8

1. Ignores biological factors.
   Bandura’s study shows boys are more aggressive than girls - unlikely due to difference in observational learning.
   Hormonal factors determine how aggressive a child may be.
   Therefore an incomplete explanation.

Question 9

What are 2 strengths of social learning theory?

Answer 9

1. Increased our understanding of criminal behaviour.
   Akers - suggests probability of criminality increases when someone’s exposed to criminal model, identifies with them and views their behaviour as having positive consequences.
   Shows importance of identification + VR in learning.
   Real world application
2. Highlights importance of identification.
   Media attempts to change health-related behaviours show that models similar to target audience bring about identification resulting in greater social learning.
   Shows message’s potency may be lost if identification is absent.
   Therefore, can be applied to encourage healthy habits.