Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What does social learning theory explain?

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

Who proposed social learning theory?

Answer 2

Albert Bandura.

Question 3

What is imitation in social learning theory?

Answer 3

Copying the behaviour of others.

Question 4

Define identification in the context of social learning theory.

Answer 4

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model.

Question 5

What is modelling?

Answer 5

Imitating the behaviour of a role model; from the role model’s perspective, it is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour.

Question 6

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 6

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour.

Question 7

What are mediational processes?

Answer 7

Cognitive factors (e.g., thinking) that influence learning and mediate between stimulus and response.

Question 8

List the four mediational processes identified by Bandura.

Answer 8

• Attention
• Retention
• Motor reproduction
• Motivation

Question 9

True or False: According to Bandura, learning occurs only through direct experience.

Answer 9

False.

Question 10

What type of studies did Bandura use to illustrate social learning theory?

Answer 10

Lab studies, specifically using the Bobo doll.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and/or are _______.

Answer 11

[attractive and have high status]

Question 12

What did Bandura and Walters (1963) find in their study regarding aggression and reinforcement?

Answer 12

Children who saw an adult praised for aggression behaved more aggressively than those who saw the adult punished.

Question 13

What is reciprocal determinism in social learning theory?

Answer 13

The idea that individuals are not merely influenced by their environment but also exert influence upon it through their behaviours.

Question 14

What criticism is often leveled against social learning theory?

Answer 14

It makes too little reference to biological factors influencing learning.

Question 15

True or False: Social learning theory can account for cultural differences in behaviour.

Answer 15

True.

Question 16

What implication did Bandura’s Bobo doll experiments have on media influence?

Answer 16

They raised questions about whether children are influenced by violence in media.

Question 17

What is one strength of social learning theory?

Answer 17

It recognizes the importance of cognitive factors in learning.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The learning and performance of behaviour do not always occur _______.

Answer 18

[together]

Question 19

List two factors that influence motivation in the context of social learning theory.

Answer 19

• Whether the behaviour was rewarded
• Whether the behaviour was punished

Question 20

What role do mirror neurons play in social learning?

Answer 20

They allow us to empathize with and imitate others.

Question 21

What was the main concern regarding the methodological approach of Bandura’s studies?

Answer 21

Lab studies may involve demand characteristics and lack ecological validity.

Question 22

What is the significance of understanding gender role development through social learning theory?

Answer 22

It explains how children learn from others and the media, transmitting cultural norms.

Question 23

Outline the implications of social learning theory on children’s behaviour in relation to media.

Answer 23

Media can potentially have a negative impact by modeling violence and aggressive behaviours.

Question 24

What does Bandura suggest about the role of free will in social learning?

Answer 24

There is an element of choice in how we behave, contrasting with strict behaviourism.