Paper 2- SLT Approach Flashcards
Assumptions about SLT approach?
-It is based off of classical and operant conditioning
-Uses lab experiments where behaviour is observed
-Children learn through vicarious reinforcement, observe actions and their consequences of our role models and we adjust our behaviour accordingly
-We are likely to imitate behaviours of the same sex role models as we will relate to them more.
What are the 3 elements of SLT?
1) Modelling- the individual who carries out the behaviour is known as a model.
Live model- parent, teacher
Symbolic model- TV character, pop-star
2)Imitation- individual carries out the same behaviour as the model, a lot faster than conditioning.
3)Identification- refers to how much we relate to a model and how similar we are to them. We will find it easier to imitate a model we relate to.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Individuals learn about actions and their consequences (by looking up to their model) and change their behaviour accordingly.
What is the mediation process?
It helps us determine whether we should imitate a behaviour:
Attention- For a behaviour to be imitated, it has to grab our attention. Attention is extremely important in whether a behaviour influences others imitating it.
Retention- How well the behaviour is remembered. Much of social learning is not immediate, so this process is vital in these cases.
Reproduction- The ability to perform the behaviour that the model has just demonstrated. This influences our decision whether we try to imitate or not.
Motivation- The will to perform the behaviour. Reward and punishment that will follow behaviour will be considered by the observer.
Evaluation of SLT?
STRENGTH
This approach uses scientific methods to investigate behaviours.
Behaviours that are imitated (especially children) can clearly be seen.
LIMITATIONS
However this is a reductionist view as it suggests that all behaviours can be reduced to environmental interactions and consequences.
This approach ignores biological causes despite significant research findings.
The approach suggests that all behaviour is determined by your environment therefore you have little control over your behaviour. (However, it is less deterministic than the behaviourist approach)
What was the BOBO doll experiment?
36 girls and 36 boys were tested – researchers pre-tested children for aggression levels by observing them in nursery. All children selected were of similar aggression levels.
This was a lab experiment in which the independent variable (the type of model) was manipulated in three conditions:
An aggressive model was shown to 24 children.
A non-aggressive model was shown to 24 children.
No model was shown to 24 children – this was the control condition group.
What was the different stages of Banduras experiment?
Stage 1 MODELLING-
The children were individually shown into a room containing toys and played with some potato prints and pictures in a corner for 10 minutes whilst either:
24 children (12 boys, 12 girls) watched a male or female model behaving aggressively towards the bobo doll. The adults used a hammer and in some cases threw the doll in the air.
Another 24 children (12 boys, 12 girls) watched a non-aggressive model who played in a quiet manner, practically ignoring the bobo doll.
The final 24 children were used as a control group and weren’t shown any model.
Stage 2- AGGRESSION AROUSAL
All children, including the control group, were subjected to ‘mild aggression arousal’.
Each child was taken separately to a room with relatively attractive toys.
As soon as the child started playing with the toys, the experimenter told the child that these were the experimenter’s very best toys and she had decided to reserve them for other children.
Stage 3- TEST FOR DELAYED IMMITATION
The next room contained some aggressive toys (including the bobo doll) and non-aggressive toys.
Each child was in the room for 20 minutes and their behaviour was observed and rated through a one-way mirror.
What was Banduras findings?
Children who observed the aggressive model made far more imitative aggressive responses than those in the other groups.
There was partial and non-imitative aggression among those children who had observed aggressive behaviour, though this was small.
Boys were more likely to imitate same sex models than girls (evidence for girls imitating same sex model isn’t strong)
Boys imitated more physically aggressive acts than girls.
