Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What is the Social Learning Theory?

Answer 1

• People learn through observation and imitation of others

- Suggests: Learning occurs directly & indirectly through operant & classical conditioning.

Question 2

What are the elements of Social Learning Theory?

Answer 2

• Modelling
• Imitation
• Identification
• Vicarious Reinforcement

Question 3

State what is meant by the term ‘Modelling’ in this approach.

Answer 3

• When a person carries out or model the behaviour/attitude to be learned.
• Model examples:
  > Parents
  > Teachers
  > Siblings

Question 4

State what is meant by ‘Imitation’ in this approach.

Answer 4

• When a models behaviour is reproduced by an individual

Question 5

What are the key determinants of whether behaviour is imitated.

Answer 5

• Characteristics of model
• Observers ability to perform that behaviour
• Observed consequences

Question 6

State what is meant by the term ‘Identification’ in this approach.

Answer 6

• He/she feel similar enough to model meaning individual experiences similar outcomes
• A child = more likely to imitate a person of same sex

Question 7

State what is meant by the term ‘Vicarious reinforcement’ in this approach.

Answer 7

• Individuals learn about likely consequences of an action & adjust their behaviour accordingly
• Individuals don’t need to experience rewards/punishment directly in order to learn

Question 8

What is the name of the researcher involved with the Social Learning Theory?

Answer 8

Bandura et al (1961)

Question 9

What was the researchers experiment for the Social Learning theory?

Answer 9

• Aggressive Adult stuck in a separate room with children spectating:
  > Children exposed to aggressive adult imitates behaviour
• Non-aggressive Adult stuck in a separate room with children spectating:
  > Children exposed to non-aggressive adult imitates behaviour

Question 10

Name the 1st strength of the Social Learning Theory.

Answer 10

• Research support:

Fox & Bailenson - found evidence - using computer generated virtual humans engage in human exercise

Question 11

Name the 2nd strength of the Social Learning Theory.

Answer 11

• Applications:

Individual exposed to criminal behaviour = increase in engaging to similar behaviour

Question 12

Name the 1st limitation of the Social Learning Theory.

Answer 12

• Underestimate the influence of biological factors:

Makes little reference to biological factors on social learning

Question 13

Name the 2nd limitation of the Social Learning Theory

Answer 13

• Over-reliance on evidence from lab studies
  Artificial nature - participants purposely alter behaviour
  due to environment