Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is social learning theory
Learning through observation of others and imitation
What is modelling in slt
One person demonstrated behaviour
What affects imitation in modelling
Mose likely to imitate if they arsame sex, age of observer and attractive, likeable have high social status
Why is imitation more likely with these effects (age, gender etc)
Because the observer identifies with such a model so imitated their behaviour
Observation is what kind of process
Active process - observer chooses to focus attention on modelled behaviour and watch it
What is imitation
Copying observed behaviour and is the most important mechanism for slt
What happens to behaviour after being observed
Once observed it is stored to be reproduced when appropriate
What is reinforcement
Any consequence of a behaviour that increases the probability of that behaviour being repeated
When is vicarious reinforcement experienced
Experienced when observer witnesses model being rewarded for a behaviour
Observer experienced reinforcement second-hand, increasing the likelihood that the observer repeats the behaviour
Stages of social learning theory
1) Attention to behaviour of model
2) Retention (remember behaviour)
3) Reproduction of behaviour in appropriate situation
4) Motivation to repeat behaviour because of vicarious reinforcement
Strength
Nicol and Pope (1999) showed chickens would selectively imitate high-status same-sex models in pecking a pad for food
Supports Bandura’s claims that behaviour can be acquired by observation and imitation and likelihood of imitation is affected by vicarious reinforcement and characteristics of model
Weakness
Kendler
Showed identical twins more similar levels of aggression than non-identical
Individual differences in behaviour genetically influenced
SLT not complete explanation
CA
Bandura did not ignore biological factors, explains how behaviour is expressed that is learned not the urge to behave that way
