SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Question 1

Social learning theory (learning theory) not nedeed in 16 marker

Answer 1

• Bandura identified another kind of learning called social learning/modelling
• Theory suggests that behaviour is learned via observation and imitation e.g. copying of influential role models in the environment

Question 2

Role models

Answer 2

Likely to be imitated if the person identifies with them in some way e.g. similar by age or gender, or if model is influential (of a higher status)

Question 3

Identification

Answer 3

A connection between a child (observer) and role model (to be imitated) often based on perceived similarity e.g. age/gender

Question 4

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 4

• Learning through observing consequences of the role models behaviour in terms of rewards/punishment.
• If rewarded, likely to imitate observed behaviour in order to receive the same reward

Question 5

4 mediational mental processes in learning

Answer 5

1. attention
2. retention
3. production
4. motivation

Question 6

1. Attention

Answer 6

whether behaviour is noticed

Question 7

2. Retention

Answer 7

whether behaviour is remembered

Question 8

3. Production

Answer 8

observer has to be able to replicate i.e. copy the behaviour

Question 9

4. Motivation

Answer 9

observer must want to imitate the behaviour

Question 10

Banduras experiment
Aim

Answer 10

investigate whether aggression could be acquired through modelling + see whether children were more likely to imitate same sex models

Question 11

bandura & walters + banduras procedure

Answer 11

• children watched an adult behaving aggressively to a bobo doll,
• an adult behaving non aggressive to bobo doll.

children saw adults who was:
-punished
-rewarded
-there was no consequence

Question 12

what was banduras findings and conclusion

Answer 12

• Suggested that children exposed to aggressive models imitated their exact behaviour and were significantly more aggressive than those in the non-aggressive condition.
• when given their own doll, the children who saw the aggression rewarded were more likely aggressive themselves
• research shows children are more likely to imitate (model) acts of violence if they observe these in an adult rolemodel.
• it is suggested that modelling aggresive behaviour is more likley if rewarded (vicarious reinforcement)

Question 13

strength, emphasises the importance of cog factors

Answer 13

• neither classical conditioning or operant condition can offer a comprehensive account of human learning on their own because cognitive factors are omitted
• humans and animals store info about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgements when it is appropiate to perform certain actions
• this shows that slt is a more complete exp of human learning than the behaviourist approach by recognising the role of mediation processes

Question 14

can explain human behaviour (Akers 1998)

Answer 14

• a strength is that it can explain human behaviour
• akers (1998) supports this and suggests that the probability of someone engaging in criminal behaviour increases when they are exposed to role models who commit criminal behaviour.
• identify with these models, and develop expectation of positive consequences for their own criminal behaviour.
• Therefore, suggests SLT can explain human behaviour.

Question 15

practical applications

Answer 15

• SLT is that is has led to effective treatments for phobias.
• This treatment, based on modelling encourages patients to learn a more appropriate response to the feared object by observing and imitating a role models reaction to the same feared object.
• Therefore, suggests SLT can explain human behaviourand lead to treatment

Question 16

lacks ecological validity.

Answer 16

• Since theory is based on research from the lab = may lack ecological validity.
• Due to controlled artificial environment of a lab, e.g bobo exp the behaviours that were measured were not the same as genuine aggression which would be directed towards another human being.
• cannot assume children in this experiment would act aggressively towards other human outside of experiment.
• Therefore, questionable to whether findings on SLT and aggression can be generalised to real life situations.

Question 17

demand characteristics

Answer 17

• May lack internal validity as children experienced demand characteristics – exposed to unusual behaviour from the adult role models.
• Could be puzzling to children who normally expect aggressive behaviour to be commented on and stopped.
• It could have given the children the view that such treatment of the Bobo doll was acceptable.
• Suggests there are methodological flaws – limit extent to which it provides valid support for SLT.

Question 18

Reciprocal determinism

Answer 18

• Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism - we are influenced by our environment.
• But we also exert an influence upon it through behaviour we choose to perform
• This element of choice suggests there’s some free will in the way we behave
• This is a more realistic and flexible position than is suggested by the behavioural approach as it recognises the role we play in shaping our own envifoment.