Social learning theory

Question 1

What are the key arguments in the social learning theory?

Answer 1

• Argues that classical and operant conditioning can’t explain all human behavior.
• The SLT agreed that behavior is learned from experience.

*The SLT also considers cognitive processes.

*SLT argues learning is social - it involves others.

• Behavior is learned from the environment and is not genetic

Question 2

What are the strengths of the social learning theory>

Answer 2

• Recognises cognitive processes
• Mediational processes play a part in deciding if a behavior is imitated.
• can be applied to real world behavior

*recognises free will

Question 3

What are the weaknesses of the social learning theory?

Answer 3

*unable to explain all behaviors

*ignores biological factors of learning

*Laboratory experiment were not reliable

Question 4

What are the four mediational processes?

Answer 4

• Attention - the extent to which we notice certain behaviors from role models

*Retention- how well the behavior is remembered

• Reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform the behavior.

*Motivation- the will to preform the behavior which is determined by whether the observer is reinforced or punished.

Question 5

What was the Bandura bobo doll experiment?

Answer 5

• 36 male and female participants (aged 37-69 months)
• half group observed aggressive role model
• children who observed aggressive role model acted more aggressive.

Question 6

What is identification?

Answer 6

When an individual is influenced by another because they are in some way similar or wish to be like them.

Question 7

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 7

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing

Question 8

What are mediational processes?

Answer 8

We do not automatically observe behavior and imitate it there are thought processes that occur called mediational processes.

Question 9

What is modelling?

Answer 9

When an individual imitates the behavior of the role model