Learning Theories - Observational

Question 1

What is observational / social learning ?

Answer 1

• Learning which shows human behaviour being copied from watching others
• Tend to copy those high status / significance rather than Thais realtively unimportant

Question 2

Why do humans copy behaviour ?

Answer 2

We observe and copy behaviour because it helps us to be more socially acceptable

Question 3

Why are ‘significant’ role models required ?

Answer 3

• Because what we learn not only depends on what we see but also the identity of the model
• adopting moral judgements / patterns of social organisation

Question 4

What are the steps of Bandura’s model (1977) ?

Answer 4

1. Attention
   To be able to imitate, must pay attention to/ focus
2. Retention
   The observer must be able to remember the model that is presented, create a mental picture
3. Motor reproduction
   The observer must be physically able to imitate the skill being observed
4. Motivation
   High level of motivation required to imitate.
   External reinforcement will increase motivation

Question 5

Give examples of what the study of Bandura (1961) showcases
(6)

Answer 5

1. Model shows behaviour appropriate to social norms, likely to be copied.
2. The relevance of the models behaviour is important
   (boys more likely to copy aggressive behaviour (than girls), more relevant to them through socialisation
3. The similarity of the model is important
4. The friendliness of the model
5. More powerful models (deemed stronger) more likely to be imitated
6. Consistent behaviour from model, more likely copied