Social learning theory Flashcards
How does social learning theory suggest that we learn?
Through imitating behaviour of a role model
What are the stages of learning?
- Paying attention to the role model
- Retain the behaviour
- Reproduce the behaviour
- Motivated- be like role model
- vicarious reinforcement
Who supports social learning theory?
Social learning theory is supported by Bandura 63 because he found that children do imitate behaviour from a role model. This is a strength because it is direct evidence of how children imitate behaviour which means it Is a credible explanation of behaviour.
However Bandura 63 took place in a lab which meant it had high controls over extraneous variables which means it lacks ecological validity.
Who conflicts social learning theory?
Social learning theory is conflicted by Charlton who exposed St Helena’s island to tv and it did not have an impact on aggression as predicted. This conflicts because it suggests that behaviour is not imitated and it is not as important which means it lowers the credibility of social learning theory.
What is another explanation?
Another explanation of human behaviour is the hormone explanation which suggests that high levels of testosterone leads to higher levels of aggression. This is a Better explanation as it can be empirically tested via blood tests which means it is a more valid explanation of behaviour.
However this is socially sensitive because it suggests that behaviours cannot be unlearnt.
Why is this useful?
Social learning theory is useful because it is holistic as by paying attention it focuses on cognition and learning.
However iy is reductionist because it blames all behaviour on role models and ignores biological explanations such as hormones and evolution.
Can you test social learning theory?
We can empirically measure behaviour via observations as Bandura a had high controls over extraneous variables. This is a strength because we can establish the reason for behaviour which makes it a credible explanation of behaviour.
However, behaviour is subjective and each researcher may have interpreted the aggression differently which lowers credibility.
