Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What is meant by a role model?

Answer 1

A role model can be anyone who is:

• of the same gender
• of a higher status e.g celebrity
• has something desirable e.g money
• shares the same interests

Question 2

What are the 3 different types of model?

Answer 2

• Live= actual individual demonstrating a behaviour
• Verbal= descriptions and explanations of a behaviour
• Symbolic= real or functional characters displaying behaviours in TV programme

Question 3

What is vicarious reinforcement? Give an example

Answer 3

When your tendency to engage in a behaviour is increased after observing someone who has been reinforced for that behaviour. E.g doing your homework to receive a chocolate

Question 4

What is vicarious punishment? Give an example

Answer 4

When the tendency to engage in behaviour is weakened after having observed the negative consequences for another engaging in that behaviour. E.g avoiding hot water after seeing another person burned by it

Question 5

What is various extinction?

Answer 5

Occurs when it is noticed that the person who has been observed engaging in the behaviour is no longer rewarded and so the behaviour being imitated stops

Question 6

Explain what the 4 processes of social learning theory are.

Answer 6

1. Attention: attention is payed to the behaviour in order to learn from it
2. Retention: the behaviour being modelled needs to be retained by the observer as it is likely to be imitated at a later time. Imagery and language assist the process- cognitive element MSM
3. Reproduction: behaviour is then performed. Requires self efficacy to carry out the behaviour yourself
4. Motivation: whether the behaviour is continued depends on if the individual is motivated to do so

Question 7

What is self efficacy?

Answer 7

Confidence and belief you have the skills to reproduce a behaviour

Question 8

What is an external motivator? Give an example

Answer 8

When you feel motivated to carry out a behaviour because you’ll receive some sort of physical outcome. E.g you may become popular at school if you start a fight

Question 9

What is an internal motivator? Give an example

Answer 9

When you are motivated to carry out a behaviour due to the internal satisfaction you’ll receive from reproducing it. E.g you may feel proud of yourself if you successfully steal a pen from a shop.