Lesson 3

Question 1

What is SLT?

Answer 1

A way of explaining behavior that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.

Question 2

A01 - The assumptions

Answer 2

• Albert Bandura proposed SLT as a development of the behaviorist approach.
• he agreed with the behaviorist approach we can gain new patterns of behavior through direct experiences but also by observing behavior and initiation within a social context.
• an observer learns a new behavior by watching and imitating another person (role model).
• the process of watching and imitating is called modelling.

Question 3

Imitation

Answer 3

copying the behavior of others

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

when an observer associates themselves with a role model by adopting their attitudes and behavior.

Question 5

modelling

Answer 5

imitating the behaviour of a role model, from the role model’s perspective this is demonstrating a specific behaviour.

Question 6

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 6

reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behavior. Key factor in imitation.

Question 7

Mediational processes

Answer 7

cognitive factors (ie internal mental processes) that influence learning and come between the stimulus and response.

Question 8

Why are there mediational processes?

Answer 8

Its a bridge between traditional learning theory and the cognitive approach because it places emphasis on how cognitive factors are involved in learning.

Question 9

How many mediational processes are there and who identified them?

Answer 9

there are 4 mediational processes and Bandura came up with them.

Question 10

Define the 4 MP

Answer 10

Attention - the extent to which we notice the behaviours.
Retention - how well the behaviour is remembered.
Motor reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.

Question 11

What is identification?

Answer 11

• people especially children are more likely to imitate the behaviour of people with whom they identify with these are called role models.
• a person becomes a role model if they possess similar characteristics to the observer or are attractive or have a high status.
• role models may not be physically present in the environment
• this has important implications for the influence of the media on behaviour.

Question 12

What was the bobo doll experiment?

Answer 12

research support for imitation (1961)
children watched
- an adult behaving aggressively towards a bobo doll.
an adult behaving non - aggressively towards a bobo doll.
when given their own dolls to play with, the children who had seen aggressive behavior were much more aggressive towards the doll. The results were stronger if the adult was of same sex.
This suggest that children are likely to imitate acts of violence observed in an adult role model.

Research support for vicarious reinforcement (1963)
children saw an adult who was
- rewarded
- punished
- there was no consequence
when given their own bobo doll the children who had seen aggressive behavior rewarded were more aggressive towards the doll.
modelling aggressive behavior is more likely if the behaviour is rewarded (vicarious reinforcement).

Question 13

cognitive factors - strength

Answer 13

• recognizes the importance of cognitive factors in learning
• they highlighted 4 medial processes which are necessary when learning and performing a behavior
• classical and operant cannot offer an adequate explanation of learning on their own because humans store info abt the behavior of others and we use cognitive processes to make judgements whether it is appropriate to perform certain actions
• therefore slt recognises internal mental processes and offers a more comprehensive view on behaviour.

Question 14

contrived lab studies - limitation

Answer 14

• the supporting evidence for slt was based on evidence gathered by lab studies
• lab studies are criticized for their contrived nature as participants may feel the urge to respond to demand characteristics.
• in relation to the bobo doll expectation the children were simply behaving in a way they thought was expected.
• the research may tell us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday behaviour.

Question 15

real world application - strength

Answer 15

• principles of slt have been applied to a range of real world behaviors
• modelling imitation and reinforcement can account for how children learn from others around them including the media.
• cultural norms are developed in different societies - different norms in each society.
• therefore this increases the value of slt as it accounts for real world behaviour.

Question 16

influence of biological factors have been underestimated

Answer 16

• limitation of the slt is that the influence of biological factors have been underestimated
• bandura’s study found the boys were more aggressive than the girls
• difference could be explained by hormonal factors - diff levels of testosterone which is present in higher quantities in boys than girls which may explain the increased aggressive behaviour
• much more to explaining behavior than just the process of imitations - there are biological factors which have not been accounted for by the slt.

Question 17

reciprocal determinism - strength

Answer 17

• bandura emphasized reciprocal determinism
• the idea we are influenced by our environment but we also exert an influence upon it through the behaviors we choose to perform.
• the element of choice suggests there is some free will in the way we behave and is consistent with the fact that Bandura recognizes the influence of mediational processes on social learning.
  -more realistic and flexible position than is suggested by the behaviorist approach as it recognizes the role we play in shaping our own environment.