Social Learning theory

Question 1

Social learning theory

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.

Question 2

Albert Bandura(1961) and the SLT

Answer 2

Learning occurs from OBSERVING others.
The mind, behaviour and environment all play a role in learning behaviour.
This deals with the major criticism of Behaviourist approach, which ignores mental processes, by taking account of cognitive processes

Question 3

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

We learn through MODELLING- Modelling involves learning through the observation of other people(models), which may lead to imitation(repetition) of the behaviour.
Only if behaviour is seen to be rewarded.

Question 4

Role of mediational processes: four conditions for social learning

Answer 4

1. Attention
2. Retention
3. Motor reproduction
4. Motivation

Question 5

Learning of behaviour conditions for social learning

Answer 5

Attention: the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
Retention: The individual remembers what they’ve observed

Question 6

Performance of behaviour conditions for social learning

Answer 6

Motor reproduction: The individual replicates the behaviour shown by the model
Motivation: The individual seeks to demonstrate the behaviour they’ve observed

Question 7

Identification: types of models

Answer 7

Live models - physically present in our environment e.g. mother, teacher, friend
Symbolic models e.g. people in films, books, cartoons. Symbolic modelling has a greater effect on cultures where media is widely available.

Question 8

Bandura method- imitation of aggressive models

Answer 8

1. 36 girls and 36 boys with a mean age of 52 months took part in the study. The study had a match participant design(children were matched on ratings of aggressive behaviour shown at their nursery school) and had three conditions.
2. First condition - children observed aggressive adult models playing with a Bobo doll.
3. Second condition - children observed non-aggressive models playing with other toys
4. Third condition - children had no exposure to models: their behaviour was observed for 20 minutes in a room containing aggressive toys and non-aggressive toys.

Question 9

Bandura et al results

Answer 9

1. Children exposed to aggressive models imitated a lot of their aggressive behaviour.
2. Children in the non-aggressive and controlled condition showed barely any aggressive behaviour.
3. Aggressive behaviour was slightly higher in the control condition than in the non-aggressive condition

Question 10

Bandura et al conclusion

Answer 10

Aggressive behaviour is learned through imitation of others behaving aggressively

Question 11

Bandura et al evaluation

Answer 11

Strict control of variables - reliability and replicability

Question 12

Negative Bandura et al evaluations

Answer 12

Low ecological validity - participants not in a natural situation
Limited sample - difficult to generalise results
Ethical problem - encouraging aggression in children