Social learning theory Flashcards
Define the term social learning theory.
A way of explaining behaviour proposed by Bandura that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement.
Combined learning theory with cognitive factors.
SLT suggests that learning occurs directly through classical and operant conditioning, but also indirectly through observation.
Define the term vicarious reinforcement.
The idea that for indirect learning to take place an individual will observe the behaviour from others and imitate if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished.
List the four mental or mediational processes in learning identified by Bandura.
Attention: watching a role model’s aggressive actions
Retention: being able to remember the action
Reproduction: being physically capable of performing the aggressive action
Motivation: a reason to imitate the behaviour, and the expectation that it will be successful
Explain Bandura’s Bobo doll study.
It demonstrates the mediational processes in learning.
Children were shown a film of an adult attacking a Bobo doll, then copied the aggressive actions when placed in a room with the same doll. Children who didn’t witness aggression did not show any aggression. In a variation, children who watched an adult being punished for acting aggressively were much less likely to copy the aggression than those who watched an adult being rewarded for aggressive acts.
What is identification?
The idea that people are more likely to imitate the people they identify with.
Role model - Person they identify.
Modelling - Process of imitating a role model.
These role models can be real (a parent) or seen in the media (a celebrity or sportsperson) - can cause implications in behaviour.
What are the strengths of social influence theory?
Recognises cognitive factors in learning.
Real-world application.
Reciprocal determinism.
Explain how cognitive factors are recognised in social learning theory.
Understands that neither classical nor operant conditioning can offer an adequate account of learning on their own. Humans and animals store information about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgements about when it’s appropriate to perform certain actions.
SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes
State the counterpoint for social learning theory being more comprehensive explanation of human learning.
Has been criticised for making too little reference to the influence of biological factors on SLT. Bandura claimed natural biological difference influence learning potential still thought learning was determined by environment.. Recent research suggests that observational learning may be due to mirror neurons in the brain, which allow us to emphasise with and imititate other people.
What are the real-world applications of social learning theory?
Advantages of being able to explain cultural difference in behaviour.
SLT principles, such as modelling, imitation and reinforcement, can account for how children learn from others around them this proves useful in understanding behaviours such as how children come to understand their gender role.
What are the limitations of social learning theory?
Evidence gathered from lab studies - participants may respond to demand characteristics. In relation to the Bobo doll research the main purpose of the doll is to strike it, the children were simply behaving in a way they thought was expected.
How is the social learning theory reciprocally deterministic?
Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism – the idea that we are influenced by our environment, but we also exert an influence upon it through the behaviours we choose to perform. Bandura recognises the influence of cognitive variables on social learning. We are able to store a particular behaviour we have seen and choose the most appropriate time to reproduce it. - more realistic and flexible.
