Social Learning theory

Question 1

SLT assumptions

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour the includes both direct reinforcement(Classical & Operant) and indirect reinforcement (learning through observation and imitation)\

Question 2

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 2

+Indirect learning that takes place when an individual observes an action and imitates it if it is seen to be rewarded
+ Learner observes a behaviour and the consequences of that behaviour.

Question 3

Mediational processes

Answer 3

4 cognitive factors which affect vicarious reinforcement
1. Attention- How much a peroson notices a behaviour
2. Retention- How well the behaviour is remembered
3. Motor reproduction- the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
4. Motivation- the will to perform the behaviour.

Question 4

Identification/Modelling

Answer 4

People are much more likely to imitate the behaviour of someone they see as a role model.

Question 5

Bandura’s research (1961)- Aim

Answer 5

To find if watching other people act aggressively, children would imitate it.

Question 6

Bandura’s research (1961)- Procedure

Answer 6

IV-1. Adults acting aggressively towards bobo doll
2. Adults acting kindly towards bobo doll.
Lab experiments with observational objective perspective

Question 7

Bandura’s research (1961)- results

Answer 7

When the adults were aggressive, the children were aggressive.
When the adults were kind, the children were kind.

Question 8

Bandura’s research (1961)- conclution

Answer 8

Children will imitate adults
Specially if they are of the same gender.

Question 9

Bandura’s research (1961)- weaknesses

Answer 9

Lack of mundane realism-
+bobo doll is not a real person
+Demand characteristics

Question 10

Evaluation of social learning theory- Strengths

Answer 10

The importance of cognitive factors
-Human’s store information about the behaviour which help them to make decisions.
-Unlike behaviourism, SLT uses the mediational processes to provide a more well rounded explanation of human learning

Explains cultural differences in behaviour
+As SLT accounts for human’s learning from their environment, it explains cultural differences better than behaviorism
+Can explain gender norms

Question 11

Evaluation of social learning theory- weaknesses

Answer 11

Over reliance on lab studies
+Most of Bandura’s studies were lab experiments, so it could create demand characteristics.∴ it may fail to explain everyday life
+E.G The children could have hit the dolls because they thought it was expected from them

Underestimates biological factors
-Bandura made little reference to biological factors.
-I.E boys were consistently more aggressive than girls. This show the possible role of testosterone.

Question 12

Comparison of behaviourism and SLT

Answer 12

Nurture or Nature
SLT=Nurture
B=Nature

Lab or holistic way
SLT=Lab
B=Lab

Is human thought important?
SLT= Yes
B= No