Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

Bandura agreed with behaviourists that much of our behaviour is learned from experiences
Different ways people learn= through observation and imitation of others within a social context
Suggests learning can happen both directly and indirectly

Question 2

Vicarious Reinforcement

Answer 2

For indirect learning to take place an individual observes the behaviour of others
Imitation only occurs of the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished
The learner observes a behaviour but most importantly observes the consequences of a behaviour

Question 3

Role of meditational processes

Answer 3

Attention- the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
Retention- how well the behaviour is remembered
Motor Reproduction- the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
Motivation- the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

People are more likely to imitate the behaviour of people who whom they identify as role models
Process is called modelling
A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and are attractive/ have high status

Question 5

AO3- SLT
Over-reliance on evidence from lab studies

Answer 5

Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed from observations in lab settings
Often criticised for their contrived nature where pets may respond to demand characteristics
I.e bobo doll study suggested that the children only acted that way because they thought that was expected
Therefore it tells us little about how children actually learn aggression in real life

Question 6

AO3- SLT
Underestimates the influence of biological factors

Answer 6

Bandura makes little reference of the impact of biological factors on social learning
Found that boys were more aggressive than girls regardless of the environment. This can be explained with biological factors i.e testosterone
This means that this important influence on behaviour is not accounted for in SLT

Question 7

AO3- SLT
Explains cultural differences in behaviour

Answer 7

SLT has the advantage of being able to explain cultural differences in behaviour
Can account for how children learn from other individuals around them, as well as through the media and this can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies
Proved useful in understanding a range of behaviours such as how children come to understand their gender role
Has temporal validity