Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Assumptions of the SLT

Answer 1

• Bandura agreed with behaviourists that we learn directly from our experiences through classical and operant conditioning
• however, he argued that we learn indirectly and imitating others, especially if they appear to be rewarded for their behaviour- it involves cognitive processes

Question 2

Mediational Processes

Answer 2

A- attention- the extent to which we notice behaviour
R- retention- how well the behaviour is remembered
M- motor reproduction- ability to perform behaviour
M- motivation- the will to perform the behaviour

Question 3

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

• an individual observes behaviour taking place. The learner may the imitate that behaviour, but this generally only happens if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished
• the learner observes the behaviour and also the consequence
• this is vicarious reinforcement;
  — reinforcement not directly experienced but observed in someone else
  — a key factor is imitation

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

People are more likely to imitate a behaviour of someone who they can identify with. A person is seen as role model if they are seen to have similar characteristics to the observer and/or are attractive and have a high status. This is called modelling. This can be greatly influenced by the media.

Question 5

SLT evaluation (+)

Answer 5

• it recognises the importance of cognitive factors
• it’s principles have been applied to a wide range of real world behaviours, and can explain the cultural differences in behaviour

Question 6

SLT evaluation (-)

Answer 6

• it is evidence based on which was gathered from lab experiments, which are criticised for their contrived nature and how people are just responding to demand characteristics
• it underestimates the influence of biological factors e.g. genes

Question 7

Bandura’s research (1961)

Answer 7

• children were shown an adult acting a certain way towards a Bo Bo doll and the left alone with it. The children who had seen the aggressive adult also acted aggressive to the doll e.g. hitting it and pushing it over and throwing it.