Social Learning Theory - 01/11/23

Question 1

What does Social Learning Theory explain? (2)

Answer 1

1) It explains behaviour that includes both indirect and direct reinforcement
2) combines learning theory with cognitive factors

Question 2

In SLT what does there need to be for an observer to watch?

Answer 2

Role Model

Question 3

What does Role Model provide an example of?

Answer 3

Provides example of behaviour that can be observed and reproduced by imitation

Question 4

What is imitation in SLT dependent on?

Answer 4

It’s dependent on the reinforcement a model receives

Question 5

If a model experiences positive reinforcement, what is the observer more likely to do?

Answer 5

They’re more likely to imitate that behaviour, because they want to be rewarded

Question 6

If a model experiences punishment, what is the observer less likely to do?

Answer 6

They’re less likely to imitate that behaviour, because they don’t want punishment

Question 7

What does Vicarious Reinforcement mean?

Answer 7

When a reinforcement isn’t directly experienced by individual themselves, but happens by someone else being punished/reinforced for a behaviour.

Question 8

What does Internal Mediational Process do?

Answer 8

Bridges gap between learning and cognitive theories

Question 9

What are the 4 steps of Mediational Processes (4)

Answer 9

You need to:
1) Pay attention to behaviour
2) Retain that behaviour
3) Observer reproduces behaviour
4) Observer must be motivated to reproduce that behaviour which is based off vicarious reinforcement

Question 10

What is Attention?

Answer 10

Th extent to which we notice certain behaviours

Question 11

What is retention?

Answer 11

How well a behaviour is remembered

Question 12

What does attention and retention relate to?

Answer 12

The learning of behaviour

Question 13

By who is the behaviour reproduced by?

Answer 13

Observer

Question 14

What must the observer be motivated to do?

Answer 14

Perform the behaviour

Question 15

What is motivation?

Answer 15

The will to perform a behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished

Question 16

What is motor reproduction?

Answer 16

It’s the ability of the observer to perform a behaviour

Question 17

What is motivation and motor reproduction related to?

Answer 17

It’s related to the performance of the behaviour

Question 18

For the behaviours of a role model to be remembered what does the individual need to do?

Answer 18

He needs to identify with the role model

Question 19

How can an individual identify with role model?

Answer 19

They must feel like they’re similiar to that person (gender, age) and want to be like them

Question 20

Which experiment investigated Role Models and when?

Answer 20

1) Bandura’s Research
2) 1961

Question 21

Describe Aim of Bandura’s Research

Answer 21

To demonstrate aggression can be learnt from modelling

Question 22

Describe Methods of Bandura’s Research (4)

Answer 22

1) 3-5 year old
2) 72 children partook
3) Equal number of boys and girls in 3 groups
4) Half saw male models and half saw female models

Question 23

Describe results of Bandura’s Research (3)

Answer 23

1) Children copied and were aggressive
2) Boys were influenced more
3) Girls imitated more physical aggression with male models and more verbal aggression with female models

Question 24

What is a Limitation of SLT? (too much lab)

Answer 24

1) There’s an over-reliance on lab studies to provide support for approach
2) In Bandura’s study children observed in controlled environment so demand characteristics
3) Children may’ve been doing what they believe was expected
4) Tells us little about how children learn aggression in real life, less applicability

Question 25

What is another Limitation of SLT? (deterministic)

Answer 25

1) SLT is often considered deterministic, as it suggests that behaviors are shaped by our environment and the role models we observe, rather than empowering individuals with free will. According to the theory, behavior is influenced by external factors like reinforcement and observation, which can limit an individual’s ability to freely choose or change their actions. This implies that behaviors are determined by the attitudes and behaviors of those around us, making it more difficult for individuals to change their behavior without new influences or role models.

Question 25

What is another Strength of SLT? (strong evidence - Bandura)

Answer 25

1) Social Learning Theory (SLT) is supported by strong evidence, particularly through Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment, which demonstrated that children can learn behaviour by observing adults, especially when the observed behaviour is rewarded or reinforced. 2) This emphasizes that learning doesn’t only occur through direct reinforcement but also through cognitive processes such as attention, retention, and motivation. 3) SLT provides a comprehensive understanding of how complex behaviours, including social and emotional responses, are learned by observing others. 4) This makes the theory not only reliable but also highly applicable in real-world settings, such as family dynamics and media influence.