LS4 - Social Learning Theory

Question 1

5 Learning Process

Answer 1

Modelling
Imitation
Identification
Vicarious Reinforcement
Mediational Processes

Question 2

Modelling

Answer 2

Models must carry out the behaviour to be learnt. Live models are irl and symbolic models can be in the media.

Question 3

Imitation

Answer 3

Most the behaviour is learnt through copying the modelled behaviour.

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

We’re more likely to imitate the behaviour of a model we admire or we’re similar to, and therefore we think the consequence would be the same as the model’s.

Question 5

Vicarious Reinforcement

Answer 5

Individuals learn by observing the behaviour of others and the reward and punishment they receive.

Question 6

Mediational Processes

Answer 6

Cognitive factors occur between the stimulus and the response. First the observer must pay attention to the model attend to their actions, secondly the observer must be capable of retention thirdly the observer must be motivated to imitate the behaviour and finally the observer must consider themselves to be physically and psychologically capable of reproducing the behaviour. people can learn a behaviour but still not reproduce it because they aren’t motivated to, or they are not capable of that behaviour.

Question 7

Bandura Procedure

Answer 7

36 males and 36 females aged 3-7, had to observe a model that was either aggressive or non-aggressive with a bobo doll. In experimental conditions the model displayed aggressive acts towards the bobo doll such as shouting POW. After observing the children were frustrated and were shown attractive toys but couldn’t play with them - they were then taken to a room which has some toys and a bobo doll they were observed for 20 minutes.

Question 8

Bandura Results

Answer 8

The children who observed the aggressive model reproduced the behaviour to the bobo doll however the other children showed no aggression. 33% of the people that watched aggressive models were aggressive but 0% of the non-aggressive group were aggressive. Boys were more aggressive than girls and imitation increased when the model was thee same gender as the participant.

Question 9

SLT Strengths

Answer 9

Acknowledges cognitive and behavioural factors

Question 10

SLT Weaknesses

Answer 10

Doesn’t Explain Mediational Factors
Cause And Effect
Environmentally Determinist
Abstract Notions

Question 11

Acknowledges Cognitive And Behavioural Factors (+)

Answer 11

SLT recognises the importance of behavioural. and cognitive factors and how new behaviours are learnt.

Question 12

Doesn’t Explain Mediational Factors (-)

Answer 12

Mediational factors can only be inferred so the extent of their influence can’t be seen as SLT doesn’t try to explain meditational processes.

Question 13

Cause And Effect (-)

Answer 13

SLT doesn’t take into account cause and effect - studies have found younger people have deviant attitudes seek out peers with similar attitudes.

Question 14

Environmentally Determinist (-)

Answer 14

SLT sees behaviour as environmentally determined and ignores the role of Biology despite Bandura findingsg boys to be more aggressivee than girls.

Question 15

Abstract Notions (-)

Answer 15

SLT can’t explain the learning of abstract notions e.g. fairness and justice which can’t be observed directly.