Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What is a role model?

Answer 1

A person who demonstrates behaviour which can be observed by others

Question 2

Modelling

Answer 2

When a role model demonstrates a behaviour which is then observed and imitated by others

Question 3

Identification

Answer 3

When we associate with and want to be like a role model

Occurs especially when role model is attractive or of high status ou possesses similar characteristics

Question 4

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 4

Indirect reinforcement through the behaviour of others

Role model reinforced for behaviour = more likely to imitate
Role model is punished for behaviour-less likely to imitate

Question 5

Role of the mediational processes

Answer 5

Attention - we pay attention this new behaviour
Retention -forming mental representation of observed behaviour and storing it in memory
Reproduction- ascertaining that we have the capacity to imitate the behaviour
Motivation- assessing the potential consequences of imitating the behaviour

Question 6

Strengths of the social learning theory

Answer 6

More holistic
It has real life practical applications
Bandura’s research with the bobo doll

Question 7

Limitations of the social learning theory

Answer 7

Has a limited explanation as it doesn’t explain now we acquire behaviours we have not previously observed

Question 8

Assumptions of the social Learning Theory

Answer 8

Behaviour is learned from environment
Interaction between environment, behaviour, and cognitive processes
Behavour learned from observing and imitating
Four mediational processes involved In learning