Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What are the basic assumptions of social learning theory?

Answer 1

• Behaviour is absorbed from the environment.
• Behaviour is learnt from observing people’s behaviour and then consequences they receive.
• Distinguishes the role of cognitiven thought processes.

Question 2

What is imitation?

Answer 2

Observing the behaviour of a role model and copying it. This is more likely to occur if the learner identifies with the model.

Question 3

What is identification?

Answer 3

When a person associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like them.

Question 4

What is modelling?

Answer 4

Demonstration of a behaviour that may be imitated by others.

Question 5

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 5

Reinforcement that is not directly experienced by us but occurs through observing the consequences of a models behaviour.

Question 6

What are meditational processes?

Answer 6

Cognitive factors which influence whether or not an individual will replicate a behaviour and how they are encouraged to do so.

Question 7

What are the four mediational processes?

Answer 7

Attention and retention (in learning) and motor reproduction and motivation (in producing)

Question 8

Describe Bandura’s Bobo doll study

Answer 8

72 children (36 M and 36 F) around 4 years old. 3 conditions. Observing an aggressive model, observing a non aggressive model and no model. After observation the children received mild aggression arousal. They then were taken to a room and observed through a mirror to see how they interacted with toys. Aggressive model observers showed most aggressive play and those who saw non aggressive models showed little aggression. Boys more aggressive.

Question 9

Evaluation

Answer 9

+ Recognition of cognitive factors.
- Biological factors: mirror neurons
- Contrived lab studies: demand characteristics
+ Real world application: transmission of cultural norms.