social learning theory Flashcards
Attention
The cognitive element to the theory which suggests that modelling requires someone to watch a role models behaviour. Attention could depend on distinctiveness of behaviour or factors within the person observing.
retention
having focused on the behaviour, individuals must retain or store what they’ve seen. imagery and language assist with this. Humans store behaviours in the form of mental images and verbal descriptors and then recall these when reproducing.
reproduction
This is when the person shows/ repeats the behaviours they have seen modelled. self efficacy is important here.
motivation
the final stage refers to the incentive. if a reward is offered, we are more likely to reproduce the behaviour.
Intrinsic- when there is some inherent satisfaction rather than a physical outcome, for example feeling good after doing something.
extrinsic- not so much a feeling but something tangible. For example getting your favourite sweets.
Self efficacy
The behaviour is more likely to be imitated if it can be seen as possible.
vicarious reinforcement
imitation/ behaviour will be encouraged if they witness someone else get rewarded or praised for that behaviour.
intro.
This theory suggests that we learn through observation. During childhood, this can be as a result of children thinking parents behaviour is acceptable as well as physical appearance. Social learning theory bridged a gap between behaviourism and cognitive psychology.
Social learning theory A03
Strength- lots of supporting research including three studies led my Bandura in 1961, 1963 and 1965 into imitation of aggression, This involved observing if children would imitate aggressive behaviour through a live model, models on tv and if this would be increased through rewards and punishment. that led to the conclusions that actions were imitated as the children had witnessed.
strength- moreover this theory has increases credibility as a lot of this research is strictly scientific, being carried out in lab conditions and using one-way mirrors and multiple observers for inter-rater reliability.
Weakness- Objections, most of the research into social learning theory is carried pout on children and animals. This is because it s difficult to put adult humans into controlled situations with realistic role models. There may be a problem generalising findings from children or animals to adult humans. They may not be representative samples.
Weakness- Social learning theory is that it involves bringing in cognitions, thought processes, which are unobservable. Whereas other theories such as both classical and operant conditioning studied observable behaviour. By doing this, Bandura has moved social learning theory away from behaviourism and into a less scientific, more subjective territory.
Application (conc.)
SLT is often used alongside other therapies such as systematic desensitisation or token economies.
For example someone with arachnophobia (fear of spiders) might not want to approach a spider in early stages of therapy. If they see someone they trust approach one and pick it up without harm, they will see there are no bad consequences, furthermore will be encouraged by vicarious reinforcement, if they see thus person being praised by the therapist.
