Social learning theory

Question 1

What is Social Learning Theory

Answer 1

• A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.

Question 2

What did Albert Bandura (1961) and the SLT state

Answer 2

• Learning occurs from OBSERVING others.
• The mind, behaviour and the environment ALL play a role in learning behaviour
• This deals with the major criticism of Behaviourist approach, which ignores mental processes, by taking account of cognitive processes.

Question 3

Explain vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

We learn through MODELLING - Modelling involves learning through the observation of other people (models), which may lead to imitation (repetition) of the behaviour.
* Only if behaviour is seen to be rewarded.

Question 4

The role of mediational processes
What are the four conditions for social learning

Answer 4

ATTENTION: The extent to which we notice certain behaviours.
RETENTION: The individual remembers what they have observed
MOTOR REPRODUCTION: The individual replicates the behaviour shown by the model
MOTIVATION: The individual seeks to demonstrate the behaviour that they have observed

Question 5

Identification what are the three types of models

Answer 5

LIVE MODELS – physically present in our environment e.g. mother, teacher, pop star etc.
* SYMBOLIC MODELS – e.g. people in films, books, cartoons etc.
* SYMBOLLIC MODELLING is considered to have a greater effect on cultures where media is widely available.

Question 6

What does Akers suggest (1998)

Answer 6

the probability of someone engaging in criminal activity increases when they are exposed to models who commit crime and identify with them and develop the expectation of positive consequences of criminal behaviour.

Question 7

What biological factors were proven in the booboo doll test

Answer 7

Boys were more aggressive in the Bobo doll experiments than girls
- Hormonal factors- levels of testosterone

Question 8

What are the three proof of cultural differences in behaviour
Hint: mead,mungy and t-chi

Answer 8

Margaret Mead (1935) found The Arapesh is an example of a non- aggressive culture in which aggression is not admired (reinforced) or modelled by adults.
The Mundugmor (Biwat) show the opposite pattern, in which violence is the norm and status is determined by the amount of aggression shown.
Tchambuil – women were impersonal and dominant and men were less responsible and emotionally dependent
- Children understood their role in society and by gender