Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is the main assumption of the SLT?
Behaviour is observed and imitated.
What is Vicarious Reinforcement?
-INDIRECT learning which takes place when an individual observes someone else’s behaviour
-the behaviour is generally only imitated if it is rewarded
- the learner observes the consequences as well as the behaviour.
What are the 4 mediational processes?
1 attention
2 retention
3 motor reproduction
4 motivation
Describe attention.
How much attention the learner paid to observing the behaviour.
Describe retention.
How well the learner remembers the behaviour.
Describe motor reproduction.
If the learner has the ability themselves to preform the action/behaviour.
Describe motivation.
How much motivation the learner has to reproduce the action/behaviour.
What is Identification?
When an individual associates themselves with a role model, and they want to be like that role model.
What factors influence identification?
Age,gender,religion,ethnicity etc.
Describe Banduras Bobo Doll Study?
(1961)
Aimed to investigate observational learning and the impact of social models on behaviour, specifically aggression.
An experimental group witnessed a man interact with a bobo doll aggressively
A control group witnessed a man interact with the bobo doll in a non-aggressive manner.
It was found the children who witnessed the aggression were more likely to demonstrate that behaviour themselves when left with the doll than those who didn’t witness the aggression.
This shows how children observe and imitate the behaviours from individuals around them.
It was also found boys were more likely to demonstrate aggressive behaviour than girls as the role model was a male.
What is 1 strength of the SLT?
(P) SLT can be used to explain cultural differences in behaviour.
(E) SLT principles such as modelling imitation and reinforcement can be used to explain how children learn from those around them.
(E) learning cannot be categorised into a one size fits all approach as behaviour is influenced by many different factors, EG one culture may promote community whilst another promotes independence.
(L) this highlights the importance of cultural influences in shaping behaviour when examining learning processes and behaviour.
What is a 2nd strength of the SLT?
(P) the SLT emphasis the role of observational learning in shaping behaviour.
(E) Banduras study showed that children who witnessed aggressive behaviour were more likely to demonstrate it themselves.
(E) this highlights the crucial role social models have in shaping behaviour.
(L) therefore the SLT provides valuable insights into learning and behaviour which can not only be helpful in psychology but also institutions such as education.
What is 1 criticism of the SLT?
(P) one criticism of the SLT is that it overlooks the role biological factors which influence our behaviour.
(E) research has shown genetic predisposition plays a crucial role in shaping our behaviour , such as the hormone testosterone which is higher for men being linked to aggression.
(E) by focusing on social models and environmental influences the SLT provides an incomplete understanding of behaviour.
(L) consequently, the criticism highlights the need to understand both biological and environmental factors in determining behaviour.
