Social learning theory

Question 1

Overview of Social Learning Theory (SLT)

Answer 1

• Social Learning Theory (SLT): Proposed by Albert Bandura, SLT emphasizes that behavior is learned through observation and imitation of others within a social context.
• Key Idea: Learning can occur indirectly, not just through reinforcement, but by observing the actions and consequences of others’ behavior (vicarious reinforcement).

Question 2

The Four Mediational Processes in SLT

Answer 2

Bandura proposed that learning involves cognitive processes between stimulus and response. These are known as mediational processes:
1. Attention: The extent to which we notice certain behaviors.
2. Retention: How well the behavior is remembered.
3. Motor Reproduction: The ability of the observer to perform the behavior.
4. Motivation: The will to perform the behavior, often determined by seeing others rewarded or punished (vicarious reinforcement).

Question 3

Key Concept – Imitation and Identification

Answer 3

• Imitation: Copying the behavior of others. More likely when the behavior is seen as rewarding.
• Identification: Individuals are more likely to imitate behavior from role models (people they identify with), such as parents, peers, or celebrities. Role models tend to be similar, attractive, or have a higher status.

Question 4

Vicarious Reinforcement

Answer 4

• Definition: Learning occurs by observing someone else being rewarded (reinforced) or punished for a behavior, which influences whether the observer will imitate the behavior.
• Example: If a student sees another praised for hard work, they are more likely to engage in hard work themselves.

Question 5

Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiment (1961)

Answer 5

• Aim: To investigate if children would imitate aggressive behavior modeled by an adult.
• Method:
  1. Children observed adults behaving either aggressively or non-aggressively toward a Bobo doll.
  2. After observation, children were given the chance to interact with the doll.
• Findings:
  o Children who observed the aggressive model were more likely to imitate aggressive actions.
  o Children were more likely to imitate behavior if they saw the model being rewarded (vicarious reinforcement).
• Conclusion: Behavior can be learned through observation, even without direct reinforcement.

Question 6

Evaluation of SLT – Strengths

Answer 6

1. Cognitive Factors: Unlike traditional behaviorism, SLT emphasizes the importance of cognitive processes, providing a more comprehensive understanding of learning by considering mental activity.
2. Real-Life Applications: Explains behaviors such as aggression (e.g., through media influences) and social behaviors like altruism. Also used in educational settings to encourage positive behavior through role models.
3. Research Support: Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment provides empirical evidence for the theory, demonstrating that learning occurs through observation.

Question 7

Evaluation of SLT – Limitations

Answer 7

1. Over-Reliance on Lab Studies: Bandura’s studies were conducted in a lab, raising concerns about the artificial nature of the setting and whether it reflects real-world behavior (low ecological validity).
2. Underestimation of Biological Factors: SLT overlooks the role of biological factors, such as the influence of hormones. For example, Bandura’s research found boys were more aggressive than girls, which may be explained by higher levels of testosterone.
3. Reductionism: SLT simplifies complex behavior to observable interactions, potentially neglecting deeper psychological or environmental influences.

Question 8

SLT vs. Traditional Behaviourism

Answer 8

• Similarities: Both approaches believe that behavior is learned from the environment.
• Differences: SLT includes cognitive processes, acknowledging that learning does not require direct reinforcement (vicarious learning), while traditional behaviorism focuses purely on observable behavior and direct reinforcement.

Question 9

Real-Life Applications of SLT

Answer 9

• Criminal Behavior: SLT has been used to explain the transmission of criminal behavior through the observation of role models (e.g., family members or media figures).
• Cultural Differences: Explains variations in behavior across cultures, as individuals in different cultures observe and imitate different behaviors based on social norms.

Question 11

Key Exam Points

Answer 11

• Define: Social Learning Theory, role of mediational processes, and vicarious reinforcement.
• Research: Be able to describe Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment and its findings.
• Evaluation: Evaluate the strengths and limitations of SLT, particularly its focus on cognitive factors, its applicability to real-world behavior, and criticisms of ecological validity.