Lesson 4: Social learning theory

Question 1

What is social learning theory?

Answer 1

theory which suggests that-> new patterns of BEHAVIOUR can be learnt by OBSERVING the behaviour of others.

Question 2

Who created SLT?

Answer 2

Bandura

Question 3

According to Bandura, what are the key features of SLT
( M.I.I.V)

Answer 3

-Modelling
-Imitation
-Idenitification
-Vicarious reinforcement

Question 4

What is modelling?

Answer 4

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)

Question 5

What is imitation?

Answer 5

Process by which the OBSERVER copies the behaviour that is modelled by others

Question 6

What are the key features that affect how successful imitation is?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is identification?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What is Vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What are mediational processes?

Answer 9

mental (cognitive) factors that INTERVENE in the learning process to determine whether a new BEHAVIOUR is acquired or not.

Question 10

What are the 4 mediational processes?
(ARMM)

Answer 10

-Attention
-Retention
-Motor reproduction
-Motivation

Question 11

What is attention (mediational processes)

Answer 11

The observer must pay attention to notice the behaviour of the model

Question 12

What is retention?

Answer 12

Observer must remember the the behaviour of the model

Question 13

What is motor production?

Answer 13

The observer must be able to physically perform the behaviour

Question 14

What is motivation?

Answer 14

The observer must be WILLING to perform the behaviour in light of rewards

Question 15

Strength of SLT?
(Hint: criminal behaviour)

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Strength of SLT?
(Hint: cognitive + behavioural factors)

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Weakness of SLT?
(Hint: deterministic, biological approach)

Answer 17

• 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.

Question 18

Weakness of SLT?
(HINT: can explain certain behaviours, not all)

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

Outline the procedure of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Outline the findings of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Positive evaluation of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment
(Laboratory setting)

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Positive evaluation of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment
(Hint: social media)

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Weakness of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment
(Hint: aggressive manner, bobo doll)

Answer 23

-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