social learning theory Flashcards
What theories is it the bridge between? Why?
-the behaviourist approach and the cognitive approach
-it focuses on how cognitive factors are involved in learning
How is it similar to the behaviourist approach?
-emphasises the importance of the environment and reinforcement in learning
What two important ideas does Bandura add to behaviourism? What does he agree with in behaviourism?
- mediating processes occur between stimuli and responses
2.behaviour is learned from the environment through the process of observational learning
-he agrees with classical and operant conditioning
How is it similar to the cognitive approach?
-it acknowledges the role that mental processes play in interpreting the environment and planning new actions (although not studied in detail)
Why is it not considered conventional behaviourism?
-due its recognition for the role of cognition
Who was the theory developed by?
-Albert Bandura
Unlike Skinner, what does Bandura believe?
-he believes humans are active information processors and think about the relationship between their behaviour and the consequences
How is human learning done through the observation of a model?
-models are anyone we can observe
-imitate their behaviour
-quicker than direct reinforcement needed in classical or operant conditioning
What are the features of the model?
-more likely to imitate a model if we identify with them or hold them in high regard
What is vicarious reinforcement?
-in contrast to behaviourism, we can also learn by observing a model being reinforced for their behaviour
-this is vicarious reinforcement, or being reinforced through someone else
What is self efficacy?
-our expectation of whether we can successfully reproduce a behaviour
What are the mediational processes?
- attention
- retention
- reproduction
- motivation
Define the mediational process.
-the thought prior to the imitation of the model- individuals do not automatically imitate
Attention
-the model must capture the observer’s interest
-the observer must deem the model’s behaviour worth imitating
-the individual needs to pay attention to the behaviour and its consequences and form a mental representation of the behaviour
-we observe many behaviours on a daily basis, many aren’t noteworthy- attention is crucial in determining the influence of one’s behaviour on another
Retention
-individuals symbolically store a model’s behaviour in their minds
-Bandura 1972- observers save behaviours in symbolic forms- actively organising them into easily recalled templates- successful imitation
-crucial that a memory of the behaviour is formed so it can be performed later by the observer
-much of social learning is not immediate- retention is important
Reproduction.
-ability to perform the behaviour that the model has just demonstrated
-physical ability limits us in imitating certain behaviour
-Bandura 1972- motor reproduction processes use internal symbolic images of observed behaviour to guide actions
-Manz and Sims 1981- an observer internally replicates these behaviours using these symbols as a reference to deem whether they are capable of reproducing said behaviour
Motivation.
-the perceived unfavourable or favourable consequences of mimicking the model’s actions that are likely to decrease or increase the likelihood of imitation
-i.e. the will to perform the behaviour- reward or punishment
-more perceived rewards- more likely to imitate
-vicarious reinforcement needs to be important to observer
What is observational learning?
This is when individuals learn and adopt behaviours by observing others.
Importance of SLT
Understanding Learning Processes: SLT expands the understanding of learning beyond classical and operant conditioning by incorporating cognitive processes. It highlights that learning can occur without direct reinforcement and that internal mental states are crucial in this process.
Influence on Behavior: SLT explains how people acquire and maintain certain behaviors and how social norms and behaviors are transmitted across individuals and generations. This helps in understanding both adaptive and maladaptive behaviors.
Role of Media: Bandura’s insights into how behavior can be influenced by media and entertainment underscore the role of televised and online models in shaping public perceptions and behavior, especially in children.
Emphasis on Environment: The theory puts a strong emphasis on the importance of environmental and situational conditions in influencing behavior, suggesting that changing the environment can significantly alter behavior.
Educational Reform: SLT supports the use of more comprehensive educational approaches that integrate observational learning, demonstrating that students can learn from peer modeling and other forms of social interaction.
