Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is the social learning theory?
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.
What is imitation?
Copying the behaviour of others
What is identification?
When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model
What is modelling from the observers perspective?
Imitating the behaviour of a role model
What is modelling from the role models perspective?
The precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. This is a key factor in imitation.
What are mediational processes?
Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
What did Albert Bandura do?
Proposed social learning theory as a development of the behaviourist approach
What did Bandura say about conditioning?
Classical and operant conditioning could not account for all human learning - there are important mental processes that mediate between stimulus and response
What does the social learning theory propose?
People learn through observation and imitation of others
Learning occurs directly through classical and operant conditioning but also indirectly
What are the four mediational stages (in order)?
Attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation
What is attention?
The extent to which we notice certain behaviours
What is retention?
How well the behaviour is remembered
What is motor reproduction?
The ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
What is motivation?
The will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished
A model is most likely to be imitated if…? (5 examples)
- liked, powerful and respected
- same sex as individual
- rewarded for behaviour
- individual is directly reinforced for behaviour
- individual thinks that they are capable of performing the observed actions
Evaluate the social learning theory (cognitive factors)
Strength - recognises importance of cognitive factors
Neither classical nor operant conditioning can offer an adequate account of learning on their own
Suggests that SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning through mediational processes
Evaluate the social learning theory (biological factors)
Weakness - SLT criticised for making too little reference to the influence of biological factors
Bandura claimed natural biological differences influenced our learning potential, although he thought learning itself was determined by the environment
Suggests biological influences were under emphasised in SLT
Evaluate the social learning theory (real world)
Strength - SLT principles have been applied to a range of real world behaviours
SLT is able to explain cultural differences in behaviour such as modelling and imitation
This increases the value of the approach as it can account for real world behaviour
