Social learning theory

Question 1

what is social learning theory

Answer 1

a theory that explains behaviour in terms of observation and imitation

Question 2

who proposed Social Learning Theory

Answer 2

Bandura

Question 3

flow of social learning theory

Answer 3

identification (role models) –> observation –> imitation (caused by vicarious reinforcement) –> direct reinforcement –> internalisation (despite consequences)

Question 4

what is a role model

Answer 4

role model is a person held in esteem by another

Question 5

what is identification

Answer 5

the process where a person aligns themselves with another

Question 6

what is observation

Answer 6

the process where people pay attention to behaviours and retain them from memory

Question 7

what is imitation

Answer 7

a process where people recall behaviours and reproduce them in their own actions

Question 8

what is vicarious reinforcement

Answer 8

when a behaviour is strengthened by an individual observing this same behaviour being rewarded in another

Question 9

what is direct reinforcement

Answer 9

when a behaviour is strengthened and likely to be repeated due to positive outcomes for the individual

Question 10

what is internalisation

Answer 10

the process whereby a behaviour becomes an individual’s personality due to continuous reinforcement

Question 11

what are consequences

Answer 11

the result of something, usually negative. For example, the consequences of being ignored by your friends might be feeling depressed

Question 12

strength of social learning theory 1

Answer 12

May successfully explain why people turn into criminals or behave antisocially.

Question 13

strength of social learning theory 2

Answer 13

Does not neglect the role of nurture in causing behaviour.

Question 14

criticisms of social learning theory 1

Answer 14

social learning theory only focuses on the role of nurture, ignoring the role of nature in explaining criminal behaviour (criminal genes or brain dysfunctions may also be involved)

Question 15

criticisms of social learning theory 2

Answer 15

the theory does not explain how criminal behaviour starts in the first place – what caused the first criminal behaviour?

Question 16

criticisms of social learning theory 3

Answer 16

the theory does not account for people who turn to crime, even though they have not been exposed to criminal role models – where do they learn these behaviours from?

Question 17

criticisms of social learning theory 4

Answer 17

if social learning theory is correct then it should be easier to reduce crime by punishing and seeing others being punished by their behavior.
However, many people still re-offend, which conflicts with the theory.

Question 18

what is nature

Answer 18

relates to behaviours that people are born with or develop naturally

Question 19

what is nurture

Answer 19

refers to behaviours that people learn through experience