Learning approaches: Social learning theory Flashcards
A01
Define social learning theory
A way of explaining behaviour that includes direct & indirect reinforcement -combining learning theory with cognitive factors
SLT suggests behaviour is learned through observation & imitation
A01
Explain Banduras social learning theory & Assumptions of SLT
Assumptions:
Bandura Agreed with behaviourists that behaviour is learned from experience however his
SLT suggests learning occurs directly through:
* Classical conditioning
* Operant conditioning
& suggested learning occurs indirectly through observation & imitation of others Via:
* Vicarious reinforcement
* Modelling/role models
* Mediational processes
A01
Outline vicarious reinforcement
indirect learning
For indirect learning to take place the individual observes the behaviour of others
The learner may imitate behaviour but imitation only occurs if behaviour is seen to be rewarded(then vicarious reinforcement occurs ) rather than punished
thus learner observes behaviour & consequences of that behaviour
thus vicarious reinforcement makes you imitate same behaviour in anticipation of similar reward
A01
Outline 4 mediational processes ( Bandura)
Bandura
SLT is described as bridge between behaviourist learning theory & cognitive approach as it focuses on how our mental factors involved in learning
- Attention-Extent to which we notice behaviours
- Retention-How well behaviour is remembered
- Motor reproduction-ability of observer to perform behaviour
- Motivation-perform the behaviour determining whether behaviour rewarded or punishment
A01
Identification( Bandura)
ppl more likely to imitate ppl they identify with-Identification
Person they identify with- Role model
Process of imitating role model-modelling
A person becomes role model when they posess similar charcateristics to obsever or attractive & have high status
A01-Application
Banduras bobo doll study
. Bandura’s Bobo Doll Study
- 36 boys & 36 girls, aged between 3 & 6 years old, were tested.
- 3 experimental groups:
* 1st watched film of adult attacking bobo doll
* 2nd playing neutrally with bobo doll
* control group
* used match pair design
Findings:
* researchers found children who’d observed aggressive role models behaved more aggressively themselves towards the Bobo.
* observed adult playing neutrally-showed no aggression
* This effect was stronger if children observed same gender(identification)
A03
Outline how SLT recognises Cognitive factors in learning
Strength
Neither classical or operant conditioning can account for learning on their own
Animals & humans store info about behaviours of others & make judgements on when to perform actions
suggests SLT provides comprehensive explanation of learning by recognising mediational processes
A03
Contrived lab studies-children responded to demand characteristcis
limitation
Banduras study was developed through observation of young children in lab
Lab studies criticised for contrived nature where p can respond to demand characteristics
in relation to Bobo doll research-main purpose was to strike doll
so children behaved in way they thought was expected
A03
SLT underemphasising Biological factors on social learning
Limitation
Bandura mainatined that learning itself was determined by enviroment ,
however research suggests that observational learning could be result of mirror neurons in brain that allows us to imitate n& empathise with ppl
suggests biological factors under-emphasised
A03
SLT-reciprocal determinism
SLT is less deterministic than behaviourist approach
Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism, that we are not merely influenced by our external enviroment , but can also exert influence upon it , through behaviours we choose to perform, this element of choice suggests theres some free will in way we behave
