Social learning theory

Question 1

Outline social learning theory

Answer 1

• Provided bridge between behaviorist approach and cognitive
• Focuses role of environmental learning (behaviorist) and internal mental processes (cognitive) when explaining behavior
• Behavior learned through observation and imitation within social context
• E.g. proposed individuals learn behaviors by imitating role model (more likely if they identify with them or sees them vicariously reinforced)
• Proposed mediational processes occur between observation and imitation because not always imitating observed behavior
• E.g. proposed individual pays attention to modelled behavior, retains information, has physical ability to reproduce behavior (reproduction), and motivated to do it

Question 2

Outline one limitation of social learning theory

Answer 2

• Proposes soft determinism
• Behavior influenced by what we observe (determinism), but engages in mediational processes to decide on whether to imitate (free will)
• Limitation because science relies on hard determinism to establish cause and effect (reducing scientific status)
• Questions credibility

Question 3

Outline one strength of social learning theory

Answer 3

• Received supporting evidence
• Bandura found that children who observed role model behaving aggressively to bobo doll later behaved more aggressively than children observing role model behaving non-aggressively
• Strength since suggests children learn behaviors through observing and imitating role models
  (Could say limitation added onto this due to contradictory evidence, biological factors since boys (higher testosterone) acted more aggressive regardless)

Question 4

Outline final strength of social learning theory

Answer 4

• Led to practical applications
• E.g. proposal that children learn through observation and imitation led to 9pm watershed (violent shows banned before 9)
• Strength because helps prevent children from imitating undesirable behaviors shown (should be in bed by 9)
• Adds credibility