Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is SLT? (define it, why it was needed, who proposed it)
SLT is learning through observation of others (imitation).
Watson and Skinner struggles to explain why learning could take place without reinforcement, and simply through witnessing the behaviour.
Bandura proposed SLT to explain behaviour can be learned through observation.
What is modelling? (define model, define modelling, influences on imitation)
A model is the person that demonstrates a behaviour.
In SLT, modelling is when a person displays a behaviour in the presence of someone else.
Not all models will be imitated. Imitation is more likely when the person relates to the model (i.e. same age, same gender, or just in a desirable position).
What is observation and imitation? (define)
Observation is the active process of when the observer chooses to focus attention on the modelled behaviour.
Imitation is copying the observed behaviour (the entire premise of SLT).
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Think about living vicariously through someone - this is that.
Vicarious reinforcement is when an observer witnesses a model being rewarded for a specific behaviour. The observer gets the idea that the behaviour is good.
What are the 4 stages of SLT? (who proposed, what is it)
Bandura (1977) suggested four cognitive processes that decide if observation leads to imitation.
- Attention to the model.
- Retention of the observe behaviour in memory (main part).
- Reproduction of the behaviour in an appropriate situation.
- Motivation to repeat the behaviour because of vicarious reinforcement.
What is a strength of SLT? (hint: many studies!)
A strength of SLT is that it is supported by many studies.
Bandura’s bobo doll studies showed that children would imitate an aggressive model who demonstrated aggressive behaviour to the bobo doll.
This evidence supports Bandura’s claims that behaviour can be acquired through observation and imitation.
What is a weakness of SLT? (hint: not a complete explanation)
A weakness of SLT is that there is research evidence against it.
Kendler et al (2015) showed that identical twins are more similar in their aggression levels that non-identical twins.
This suggests that individual differences in behaviour can be attributed to genetics, not just modelling.
This means that SLT cannot be a complete explanation for the acquisition of behaviour as genetics plays a role.
What is an application of SLT? (hint: do violent games and films make people violent?)
An application of SLT is that it can be used to help explain the effect of media violence on behaviour.
People believe that children may imitate behaviour seen on TV or in games. SLT provides evidence for such beliefs as it can show how observation can lead to imitation (especially if the observer relates to the model!).
This application demonstrates the significance that SLT has on societies understanding of certain behaviours.
