Social learning theory

Question 1

what is modelling

Answer 1

• when someone is influential on an individual in some way, they are referred to in social learning theory as a model
• if the individual then imitates that person’s behaviour later it is called modelling
• this term is only used when referring to behaviour that is imitated
• the model does not have to be physically present, therefore suggesting important implications for the influence of the media on behaviour

Question 2

what is imitation

Answer 2

• this is the term used to describe when an individual observes a behaviour from a ‘model’ and copies it
• the term imitation is more appropriate than copying as it is not always possible for the behaviour to be copied exactly, it is merely a simulation

Question 3

what is identification

Answer 3

• identification is when an individual is influenced by a model because they are in some way similar to them (or they wish to be like them)
• there are many factors influencing the choice of model, including gender, ethnicity, higher status or greater expertise

Question 4

what is vicarious reinforcement

Answer 4

• this is the term used to describe the reinforcement the observer sees the model receiving
• they do not receive the reward/ punishment themselves directly; they see someone else get it
  Positive reinforcement (reward), negative reinforcement and punishment can all be vicarious

Question 5

what is the role of mediating factors

Answer 5

• The social learning theory does not assume that we are passive and simply imitate every behaviour that we observe from a model
• There are cognitive (thought) factors that come in to play – this consideration is called mediational processes
• These mediational processes occur between observing the behaviour and imitating it (or not)

Question 6

what are the 4 mediational processes

Answer 6

Attention
We observe many behaviours on a daily basis and many of these are not noteworthy
Attention is therefore pivotal; in whether a behaviour has an influence on others imitating it

Retention
it is important that a memory of the behaviour is formed for it to be performed later by the observer

Reproduction
we see many exciting behaviours, but we are limited by our physical ability
This influences our decision whether to try and imitate it or not e.g. a 90 year old watching dancing on ice

Motivation
the reinforcements that follow a behaviour will be considered by the observer
If the perceived rewards outweigh the perceived costs, then the behaviour is likely to be imitated by the observer