Social learning Theory

Question 1

Social learning theory is …

Answer 1

• we learn through observations & imitations of a role model

Question 2

Vicarious reinforcement is …

Answer 2

• when the individual that is being observed is rewarded rather than punished

Question 3

What does rewarded behaviour act as?

Answer 3

• reinforcement of the observed behaviour and encourages observer to repeat it

Question 4

What happens if behaviour is punished in vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 4

• of hear is punished, this is argued to deter individuals from imitating behaviour

Question 5

Identification is …

Answer 5

• internalising and adopting behaviour shown by a role model, because they have a quality the individual you would like to possess or youvshar something in common

Question 6

What is an example of identification?

Answer 6

• liking a celebrity because you think you look similar

Question 7

Mediational processes are …

Answer 7

• a cognitive aspect to the model

Question 8

What does SLT believe about meditational processes?

Answer 8

• that there are internal processes that allows us to decide whether we imitate behaviour of not

Question 9

What is the process of social learning theory?

Answer 9

Attention - the behaviour and consequence grabs attention
Retention - behaviour is memorable or not
Motor reproduction - if the behaviour can be psychically imitated
Motivation - the ill to perform the behaviour observed behaving rewarded or punished

Question 10

Summarise Banduras bobo doll study.

Answer 10

• 36 boys and girls
• lab experiment
• covert observation
• manipulates the gender of the model
• 3 conditions (aggressive, non aggressive and control group)
• pre tested aggression levels all children were reported to have similar levels of aggression

Question 11

Evaluate the Bodo doll study.

Answer 11

Weakness
- Heroes on TV shows are rewarded for behaviour but should not be replicated in real life of violence as there’s no consequences shown
Issues with validity of experiment
- toy used to measure anger
- different results if human were to be used
- demand characteristics displayed
Biological explanations to further explain aggression better

Question 12

What is research support evaluation of social learning theory?

Answer 12

• Banduras et al bobo doll study
• explains there may be gender differences within aggressive behaviour

Question 13

What is a weakness evaluation of social learning theory?

Answer 13

• role model does not always have to be present to learn behaviours
• cognitive control over thoughts and feelings not only social and does not taken into account the idea of free will

Question 14

What is a real life application evaluation of social learning theory?

Answer 14

• Jamie Bulger
• watched child’s play proceeded to kill two year old Jamie Bulger by Thompson and Venables
• abducted tortured and killed
• both boys were released and not committed crimes since