Social learning theory

Question 1

Describe ARRM

Answer 1

ATTENTION: observer must watch the behaviour being modelled
RETENTION: observer must remember the behaviour
REPRODUCTION: observer must be physically and mentally capable to copy the behaviour
MOTIVATION: observer must want to copy the behaviour

Question 2

State some factors that influence whether an individual will copy a models behaviour

Answer 2

• age
• friends/ peers
• respect/ admiration
• status
• attractiveness
• fame
• gender

Question 3

Define vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

if we see a model being PUNISHED for a behaviour, we are LESS likely to imitate it.
If we see another person being REWARDED, we are MORE likely to imitate the behaviour.

Question 4

Describe Bandura’s study

Answer 4

72 children between the age of 3 and 5 were split into two groups

half watched an adult play aggressively

the children’s behaviour was then observed for 20 minutes

those who watched the adult play aggressively resulted in more aggressive behaviour: hitting the bobo doll

those who witnessed violent behaviour in role models are more likely to imitate the violent behaviour

Question 5

give one strength of SLT

Answer 5

Evidence to support:
Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment

Question 6

Give another strength of SLT

Answer 6

Highlights the importance of cognitive factors

Classical & operant conditioning don’t consider cognitive factors

Shows how we make judgements and provides a more complex explanation for behaviour

Question 7

Give a counter- argument about the strength of considering cognitive factors

Answer 7

Observational learning is controlled by mirror neurones

So there may not be enough biological reference

Question 8

Give a limitation of social learning theory

Answer 8

Relies too heavily on lab based studies

Eg banduras study
Demand characteristics may be present:
so the kids may have acted how they thought was expected

Doesn’t show how behaviour is imitated in every day life