Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Assumptions of the approach

Answer 1

• Agrees with behaviourists in that much behaviour is learned through experience
• It is concerned with human behaviour rather than animal behaviour
• Learning occurs through observation and imitation of role models
• Learning can occur directly or indirectly

Question 2

Role models

Answer 2

• There are two types of models:
  Live models: people who are present in our environment
  Symbolic models: these are people who are present in the media
• Much of what is learned in through imitation of behaviours and attitudes
• Anyone can model behaviour, but it has to be something about the role model that the person imitating the behaviour identifies with

Question 3

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

• When you learn about the consequences of behaviours from others
• Our tendency to repeat or duplicate behaviours for which others are being rewarded and we adjust our behaviour accordingly

Question 4

Bobo doll experiment (Bandura) 1961

Answer 4

Method:
- 36 girls and 36 boys at ages 3 to 6 years old took part in the study
- Matched pairs design
- In condition 1, children were exposed to aggressive adult models
- In condition 2, children were exposed to non-aggressive models
- Condition 3 was a control group, and were exposed to no models
- The children were then observed for 20 minutes in a room containing both aggressive and non-aggressive toys

Results:
- Children exposed to aggression acted aggressively
- Children exposed to non-aggression acted non-aggressively

Conclusion:
- Aggressive behaviour is learned through imitation of others behaving aggressively

Evaluation:
- Strict control of variables, meaning the results are likely to be reliable, and the study can be replicated
- Low ecological validity
- Limited sample size reduces generalisation
- It may be seen as unethical as it encouraged aggression in children

Question 5

The criteria for imitation of a model to occur (the long AARM model)

Answer 5

• Attention: To learn new behaviours, you have to pay attention
• Retention: You need to remember what you observed to be able to model it
• Reproduction: You then judge whether you have the ability to reproduce the behaviour
• Motivation: You evaluate the direct or indirect results of imitating the behaviour

Question 6

Evaluation of SLT

Answer 6

Strengths:
- It is based on lab experiments (scientific)
- It explains the learning of complex behaviours such as aggression or eating disorders
- Application to film certification age appropriate content

Weaknesses:
- Doesn’t take into account biological factors on behaviours e.g serotonin affecting depression
- Research support lacks ecological validity