social learning theory

Question 1

social learning definition

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

social learning theory basic assumptions

Answer 2

• behaviour is learned through environment
• behaviour is learned directly (classical and operant)and indirectly (through observing behaviours)

Question 3

Imitation

Answer 3

Copying the behaviour of others

Question 4

modelling

Answer 4

Imitating the behaviour of a role model OR modelling the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that might be imitated by an observer.

Question 5

vicarious reinforcement

Answer 5

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing a role model being reinforced or punished for a behaviour

Question 6

mediational processes

Answer 6

Cognitive factors i.e., thinking, that influence learning and come between a stimulus and response

Question 7

role of mediational processes

Answer 7

1) Pay attention to the behaviour.

2) They must then retain (remember) the behaviour.

3) The behaviour must be able to be reproduced by the observer.

4) They must be motivated to perform the behaviour, which is based on vicarious reinforcement

Question 8

Banduras research

Answer 8

Research Design · A lab experiment as the independent variable (IV) was manipulated in a controlled environment that was unnatural for the participants. · The IV was the model observed i.e., aggressive, non-aggressive or control. The dependent variable (DV) was the number of aggressive acts shown.

Aim To examine whether aggression can be learned through modelling.

Procedure 72 children aged between 3 and 6 years old were put into one of three groups for 10 minutes: · Aggressive model – children played in a room while an adult hit and shouted at a ‘Bobo doll’. · Non-aggressive model – children played in a room while an adult played quietly with a construction set. · Control – children did not see a model. In all groups there were equal numbers of boys and girls. Half saw male models and half saw female models.

Later the children were observed while they spent 20 minutes alone in a room with a range of aggressive and non-aggressive toys, including the Bobo doll.

Findings · Children who saw the aggressive model produced more aggressive acts than those in either of the other groups. · Boys imitated same sex models more than girls. · Girls imitated more physical aggression if they saw male models, and more verbal aggression if they saw female models.

Conclusions Aggression can be learned through modelling.