Social learning theory Flashcards
What is SLT often described as?
-‘bridge’ between behaviourists learning theory and cognitive approach
- focuses on how cognitive factors are also involved in learning
What are the assumptions in SLT?
- behaviour is learnt from the environment
- learning behaviours through observing & imitating successful role models
- also considers mediational processes involved in learning
What is vicarious reinforcement?
- indirect learning where we observe others
- imitation mainly occurs if behaviour is seen to be reward rather than punished
What are the Four mediational processes identified by Bandura?
- Attention- the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
- Retention- how well the behaviour is remembered
- motor reproduction- ability of observer to perform behaviour
- motivation- the will to perform the behaviour (rewarded or punishment)
What is identification?
Individual is influenced by another role model because they are similar or wish to be like them
What is modelling?
When an observer imitates role models behaviour
role model perspective -precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by observer
Outline Banduras research procedure
- recorded the behaviour of young children who watched an adult behave aggressively towards bobo doll
- adult hit doll with hammer & shouted abuse at it
Banduras research findings
- children later observed playing with various toys inc. bobo doll
- behaved more aggressively towards doll and toy than those who had seen non-aggressive clip
What is a strength of SLT?
- recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning
- humans & animals store information about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgements about when its appropriate to perform certain actions
- more comprehensive as it recognises role of mediational processes
What is a counterpoint for strength of SLT?
- underestimates influence of biological factors
- Bandura made very little reference to these during the development of SLT
- boys reported as behaving more aggressively than girls in his study
- majority of the boys are reported to have high levels of testosterone in their bodies >hormone linked to increase in aggressive behaviours -casts doubt on SLT
What is a limitation of Banduras research?
- evidence gathered through lab studies
- Banduras ideas were developed through observations of young people during lab studies > criticised for their contrived nature p’s may respond to demand characteristics
- children were simply behaving in a way that was expected (striking)
- tells us little about children & aggression in real life
How does SLT have real-world application?
- SLT principles have been applied to a range of real world behaviours
- principles such as modelling, imitation and VR can account for how children learn from others around them including the media
- e.g. aggression may be caused by imitation & observation
- can protect children from exposure to negative role models (certificate on films & computer games informs parents suitability of products) > external validity
