Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the SLT
Behaviour is learned via observation and imitation of influential role models in the environment
More likely to imitate role model if we identify with them
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Learning through observing the consequences of the role models behaviour, in terms of reward or punishment
Explain the 4 Mediational processes
Attention - the model is observed
Retention - the behaviour is remembered and placed in LTM
Motor reproduction - the observer has to be able to replicate the behaviour
Motivation - the observer must want to imitate
What is identification?
A connection between a child and a role model, often based on a percieved similarity
What is the Aim and sample of Banduras Bobo doll study?
Aim - to see if aggression could be learnt using the principles of SLT
Sample - 72 children, 36F 36M 3-5years
What is the procedure of Bandura’s Bobo doll study?
1st condition - aggressive model, child played in room whilst model hit and shouted the doll
2nd condition - non aggressive model, adult played quietly with construction set
3rd condition - the child did not see the model
What are the findings and conclusion of Bandura’s Bobo doll study
Findings - children exposed to aggressive models imitated their behaviour more aggressively than those in the non aggressive condition.
Effect was greater for boys than girls physically however girls were more likely to imitate verbal aggression.
Conclusion - Observation and imitation can account for the learning of aggressive acts without reinforcement of either the model or observer. Greater tendency to imitate same sex models
What are the 3 weaknesses of Bandura’s Bobo doll study?
Behaviours measured do not reflect genuine aggression - it wasn’t directed towards another human.
Unfamiliar setting and unusual adult role model behaviour - demand characteristics.
Ethical Issues - unknown long term effects.
What is the strength of the SLT?
Supporting evidence - Andsager found that people who identified with a virtual character in an anti alcohol message were more likely to imitate their behaviour.
What are the 2 weaknesses of the SLT?
Oversimplistic - Ignores biological factors, observational learning may be a result of mirror neurones that allow us to empathise, approach is reductionist.
Demand characteristics - evidence gathered through lab experiments, children may have responded to demand characteristics e.g expected to hit the bobo doll.
