social learning theory Flashcards
social learning theory
Social learning theory was proposed by Bandura and is concerned with how people learn when they observe others.
It considers the importance of the environment and reinforcement in learning, but does also consider the role that mental processes play in our behaviour.
Bandura thought that we learn through observing and imitating others, especially if they appear to be rewarded for their behaviour.
imitation
The copying of behaviours, when a role model is provided this can occur rapidly.
identification
The extent to which a person feels that they can relate to a role model. The more similar they feel, the more likely they are to replicate the behaviour.
modelling
The observation of a person performing a particular behaviour. Models can be either live (parent or teacher) or symbolic (celebrities, fictional characters).
vicarious reinforcement
The learning about the likely consequences of an action, then adjusting subsequent behaviour. For example, if a model is rewarded for a behaviour then this behaviour is more likely to be carried out than if a model is punished
meditational processes
Mental processes that occur when a person is thinking about whether to replicate the observed behaviour or not.
Attention - the extent to which we notice certain behaviours.
Retention - how well a behaviour is remembered.
Motivation - the will to perform a behaviour.
Bobo doll experiment
Aim - to test if children learn by observing adults.
Research method - lab experiment.
The control group didn’t watch an adult, the first experimental group
watched adults play gently with toys, the second experimental group
watched adults play aggressively with toys (punching, kicking).
If they watched adult be aggressive towards doll, the child imitated that behaviour.
The control group and the gentle play group showed very little to no aggression.
If the model was the same sex, the behaviour was more likely to be replicated (identification).
evaluation - Bobo doll study
Highly controlled, reliable and you could establish cause and effect.
Low ecological validity and ethical issues such as psychological distress and lack of informed consent.
evaluation - cultural differences
Helps explain cultural differences in our behaviour because behaviour is gathered from our environment.
Modelling, imitation and reinforcement are involved in learning and these can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through society.
evaluation - overlooks alternative explanations
Overlooks alternative explanations for behaviour which may be equally or more valid. For example, in Bandura’s studies boys were consistently more aggressive than girls, despite observing the same modelled behaviour. This could be better explained by the biological approach.
Boys and girls have different levels of hormones.
Boys have higher testosterone which makes them more aggressive.
