Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Social learning theory

Answer 1

A way of explains behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with cognitive factors

Question 2

Bandura (1961) research

Answer 2

Children watched adults behave aggressively towards a Bobo doll and saw the adults either being praised or told of or none. When the children played with the Bobo doll later, the praised group showed most aggression and told of least

Question 3

Four meditational processes identified by Bandura (1960)

Answer 3

1) Attention
2) Retention (remembering)
3) Motor reproduction (ability to perform behaviour)
4) Motivation

Question 4

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 4

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through someone else being reinforced for a behaviour

Question 5

Strengths of SLT

Answer 5

• Recognises importance of cognitive factors in leaning (eg. Meditational processes acknowledge individual differences)
• Real world application of cultural norms (eg. Kung San not exposed to aggression, therefore don’t mediate aggression)

Question 6

Limitations of SLT

Answer 6

• Lacks ecological validity (eg. Lab study, lacking mundane realism, inducing demand characteristics)
• Ethical issues (eg. Exposing children to aggressive behaviour may not protect them from psychological harm)