Social learning theory Flashcards
What is social learning theory?
The belief that we learn through observation and imitation
How is SLT applied to aggression?
The belief that aggressive behaviour is observed and then imitated
What are the 2 types of observational learning?
Indirect and direct
What is indirect observational learning?
When we observe the consequences someone receives for engaging in a behaviour which then affects the likelihood of us performing that behaviour
What is identification?
When someone is more likely to imitate a behaviour if they relate to the model
What are the 4 mediational processes?
Attention, retention, reproduction and motivation
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Children learn about the consequences of behaviours by observing others
What does vicarious reinforcement increase?
The likelihood that a child will imitate a behaviour
What is self-efficacy?
When the confidence in ones abilities grows as they learn what they’re capable of
What ages were the children in Bandura’s study?
3-6 years
What were the 3 experimental conditions of Bandura’s study?
Children who saw no role model, children who saw a non-aggressive role model and children who saw an aggressive role model
What was the physically aggressive behaviour in Bandura’s study?
Hitting the Bobo doll with a mallet
What was the verbally aggressive behaviour in Bandura’s study?
Shouting ‘pow’
Where were Bandura’s children taken before the room containing Bobo?
A room full of other toys
What did the majority of children who observed Bandura’s aggressive role model do?
Imitated the aggressive behaviour towards Bobo
In Bandura’s study, which gender acted the most physically aggressive?
Boys
What are the 4 SLT explanation of aggression AO3 points?
1) Lack of realism - Bandura
2) Explains behavioural inconsistencies
3) RWA - positive role models
4) Environmentally reductionist
Why does Bandura’s study lack ecological validity?
Because aggression was measured using behaviour towards an inflatable doll
Why does Bandura’s study have limited applications to human aggression?
Because the doll can’t retaliate
Why may Bandura’s research be culturally biased?
It is based on Western cultures
How can you counter the fact that Bandura’s research lacks realism?
Repeated the study with a clown instead of Bobo, and aggression was still imitated
How does SLT explain behavioural inconsistencies in aggression?
There are different consequences for the same behaviour in different situations
What programme did SLT lead to the creation of?
ACT against violence
Who created the ACT against violence programme?
The American Psychological Association (APA)
What does the ACT against violence programme encourage?
Providing children with positive role models
Who is the ACT against violence programme aimed at?
Parents
How is SLT environmentally reductionist?
It undermines the influence of other factors
What did Bandura acknowledge the role of?
Biology in aggression
What does SLT ignore?
The role of many other factors such as neural structures + genetics
