Social learning theory

Question 1

The role of observation assumption

Answer 1

Lots of our behaviour comes from the observations of behaviours we see others producing. We use other peoples behaviour to guide our own.

Question 2

Learning through vicarious reinforcement assumption

Answer 2

• Increasing a behaviour because someone has been rewarded for it
• avoiding a behaviour because people have been told off for it.

Question 3

Three stages in social learning

Answer 3

Identification- identifying with role models and basing our behaviour on them
modelling- shaping your behaviour to be like another person. observing others
Imitation- The act of copying the behaviour

Question 4

What are mediational processes

Answer 4

We don’t copy all behaviours we see a role model produce
Based on:
-Attention- did it catch our attention
-Retention- do we remember it
-Motor reproduction- so we think we can do it
-Motivation- Do we have the motivation to do it e.g reward from a role model.

Question 5

Strengths of social learning theory

Answer 5

+high in face validity
+Has an objective evidence base- based on evidence from controlled lab experiments. clear cause and effect relationship. e.g banduras doll study.
+identifies the importance of cognitive factors- SLT approach explains how thought processes like attention can mediate the effect of our environment this explains that we can have the same environment but be different.
+can explain cultural differences in behaviour- provides a framework for explaining the large difference in human behaviour.

Question 6

Weaknesses of SLT

Answer 6

• underestimates biology- Criticised fro underestimating the role of biology in determining behaviour. doesnt intergrate
• Overreliance on lab research therefore lack ecological validity