SLT

Question 1

AO1

Answer 1

• Our behaviour is learned from experience.
• Bandura proposed the SLT which suggests that we learn thru observation + imitation of others.
• Indirect learning: occurs when an individuals observe the consequence of this behaviour, they may imitate it if the behaviour is positive.
• Observe the model being rewarded they are likely to imitate it (vicarious reinforcement)
• Mediational processes refer to the mental event the determines whether an individual perceives a behaviour as being worth imitating
• People will imitate those they identify with (role model)

Question 2

Point 1: Limitation

Answer 2

Overreliance on evidence from lab studies
- Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed thru observation of young children behaviour in lab settings.
- Lab studies were critised for unnatural nature where participants may respond to demand characteristics.
- Suggested in Bobo doll research: as Bobo dolls were made to be hit. The children may have been behaving that way because that’s what they thought was expected.
- It is limitation as it tells us little about how children learn aggression is everyday life.

Question 3

Point 2: Limitation

Answer 3

Underestimates the influence of biological factors
- Bandura makes little reference to the impact of biological factors on SLT
- One consistent finding is that boys were more aggressive. This can be explained by hormonal factors, different levels of testoestrone. (Boys have more), this is linked to increased aggressive behaviour.
- This is a limitation as an important influence of behaviour is not accounted for in SLT.

Question 4

Point 3: Strength

Answer 4

Explains cultural differences in behaviour
- This is able to account for cultural changes in behaviour. Children learn thru modelling and the behaviour that they can imitate can be dependent on consequence. The consequences of the behaviour can be determined on how this behaviour is perceived in society.
- This can explain how cultural norms are transmitted thru particular societies.
- This is a strength as it proved useful in understanding the range of behaviours, (such as how children come to understand their gender role.)

Question 5

Point 4: Strength

Answer 5

Importance of cognitive factors
- This is done thru mediational processes
- Behaviourist cannot explain learning alone sufficiently but the SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation.
- SLT provides a comprehensive explanation of human learning due to this.