Lesson 4: Social learning theory Flashcards
What is social learning theory?
theory which suggests that-> new patterns of BEHAVIOUR can be learnt by OBSERVING the behaviour of others.
Who created SLT?
Bandura
According to Bandura, what are the key features of SLT
( M.I.I.V)
-Modelling
-Imitation
-Idenitification
-Vicarious reinforcement
What is modelling?
SLT requires a MODEL to carry out a certain behaviour, so the OBSERVER can learn this behaviour through IMITATION
a model can be:
-LIVE (e.g parent or sibling)
-SYMBOLIC (e.g tv character)
What is imitation?
Process by which the OBSERVER copies the behaviour that is modelled by others
What are the key features that affect how successful imitation is?
1) CHARACTERISTICS of model (e.g age)
2) The observers PERCEIVED ABILITY to carry out the behaviour shown
3) The observed CONSEQUENCE of the behaviour
What is identification?
The extent to which the observer relates to the model + feels as if he/she is similar to them, so that they could experience the SAME OUTCOMES as the model.
-observer would aim to be like the model as much as they could
What is Vicarious reinforcement?
Process by which individuals learn by observing the PUNISHMENT or REWARDS the model receives.
-if a behaviour leads to punishment= avoids observer imitating the behaviour
-if behaviour leads to reward= increases likelihood of observer imitating the behaviour
What are mediational processes?
mental (cognitive) factors that INTERVENE in the learning process to determine whether a new BEHAVIOUR is acquired or not.
What are the 4 mediational processes?
(ARMM)
-Attention
-Retention
-Motor reproduction
-Motivation
What is attention (mediational processes)
The observer must pay attention to notice the behaviour of the model
What is retention?
Observer must remember the the behaviour of the model
What is motor production?
The observer must be able to physically perform the behaviour
What is motivation?
The observer must be WILLING to perform the behaviour in light of rewards
Strength of SLT?
(Hint: criminal behaviour)
SLT has provided a great understanding of how CRIMINAL behaviour is learnt.
Akers (1998) found that criminals seem to engage more in criminal behaviour when they are exposed to a MODEL they can highly IDENTIFY with e.g same gender/age
Strength of SLT?
(Hint: cognitive + behavioural factors)
SLT gives a more COMPREHENSIVE VIEW of human learning when compared to OPERANT or CLASSICAL conditioning
-SLT recognises the importance of both BEHAVIOURAL + COGNITIVE factors (mediational processes) when examining how people learn new behaviours.
Weakness of SLT?
(Hint: deterministic, biological approach)
- SLT is environmentally deterministic + does not take into account other factors that have an INFLUENCE on behaviour
Biological approach-> genetics + neurotransmitters are responsible for behaviour
For example, Bandura found that boys were more AGGRESSIVE than girls REGARDLESS of the experimental condition they were in.
Weakness of SLT?
(HINT: can explain certain behaviours, not all)
- SLT is able to explain behaviours such as AGGRESSION, but not so able to explain the learning of ABSTRACT notions, e.g. FAIRNESS, JUSTICE etc. which cannot be observed directly
Outline the procedure of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment
Procedure:
1) observational study consisting of children 3-7 years of age
2) participants had to observe an adult model acting AGGRESSIVELY or NON-AGGRESSIVELY with a bobo doll. Some children observed a same-sex model, others saw a different sex model
3) Within the EXPERIMENTAL CONDITION-> the model displayed AGGRESSIVE acts towards the bobo doll such as striking it with a MALLET and shouting “POW!”.
4) Children were then made to feel FUSTRATED -> they were shown ATTRACTIVE toys but they were told they were not allowed to play with them.
5) The children were then taken to a room which included different toys & the Bobo doll-> were observed for 20 minutes
Outline the findings of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment
1) Children who observed aggressive behaviour towards the Bobo doll-> were MORE AGGRESSIVE towards the BOBO doll
2) Children who observed NON-aggressive behaviour towards the Bobo doll-> LESS aggressive
3) 33% of children REPEATED verbal aggression they heard
4) 0% of children displayed VERBAL aggression in the non-aggressive group
5) Boys were MORE aggressive overall + IMITATION was greater when the MODEL was the same GENDER as the observer
Positive evaluation of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment
(Laboratory setting)
Conducted in a laboratory setting.
High control over EXTRANEOUS variables to ensure the IV does have an effect on the DV.
-It also ensures the study is RELIABLE + can be REPLICATED in the future
Positive evaluation of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment
(Hint: social media)
Provided evidence that SLT is a POWERFUL way for children to learn new behaviours.
This has the implication that we should be wary of the role of SOCIAL MEDIA and the influence it can have on young children.
Weakness of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment
(Hint: aggressive manner, bobo doll)
-Bandura’s experiment has criticised.
Bobo doll= quite unique toy that “bounces back” into the same position when hit.
Critics have argued that the bobo doll is meant to be played with in an “AGGRESSIVE MANNER” & therefore the results gained from Bandura’s study do not tell us much about social learning behaviour
