Social learning theory

Question 1

What does SLT assume

Answer 1

Learning occurs through observation and imitation
Cognitive factors affect learning
Mediational processes affect imitation
Reinforcement can be direct (operant/classical conditioning) or indirect(vicarious)

Question 2

What concepts did Bandura suggest

Answer 2

Modelling - Person performs behaviour and it is seen by someone else

Imitation - Observing and copying attitudes/behaviours

Identification - Associating with qualities/views of role models that people may want. By associating, the role models behaviours are imitated e.g. children are more likely to imitate same sex role models

Vicarious reinforcement - Learning through observing consequences of other peoples actions

Question 3

What are the 4 mediational processes Bandura suggested

Answer 3

Attention - Extent to which behaviours are noticed

Retention - How well info is remembered

Reproduction - Ability of observer to replicate behaviour

Motivation - Will to perform behaviour depending on consequence

Question 4

Outline Bandura’s study

Answer 4

Assess whether aggression can be learnt through SLT

72 children split into 3 groups for 10 minutes
Aggressive condition - Child in a room with adult being aggressive to a doll
Non aggressive condition - Child in room with adult playing with construction set
Control group - Child by itself

Children with aggressive model showed more aggression compared to other groups
Girls showed more physical aggression if they saw a male model
Girls showed more verbal aggression if they saw a female model

Human behaviour can be learnt through observation and imitation

Question 5

Evaluate Bandura’s SLT

Answer 5

Research to support operant conditioning - Akers(criminal behaviour increases when exposed to criminal role models)

Lab experiment - counter artificial

Done on children (low population validity)

Partially deterministic