Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is the main agreement of social learning theory with behaviorists?
Behavior is learned from experience
This includes learning through classical and operant conditioning.
What are the two ways learning occurs according to social learning theory?
- Directly through classical and operant conditioning
- Indirectly through observation and imitation
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Watching someone else be rewarded for a behavior
In Vicarious reinforcement, What must a learner observe for imitation to occur?
The behavior being rewarded
Learner observes a behaviour and the consequences of the behaviour
What do mediational processes bridge in social learning theory?
The gap between behaviorist and cognitive approaches
Focuses on mental processes/factors in learning that determine whether a new response is accquired
What are the four mediational processes in learning?
- Attention: extent that you notice certain behaviours
- Retention: how much you remember
- Motor production: ability to perform the behaviour
- Motivation: will to perform the behaviour
Which two mediational processes relate to learning a behavior?
- Attention
- Retention
Which two mediational processes relate to performing a behavior?
- Motor production
- Motivation
True or False: Mediational processes need to occur at the same time.
False
What is the role of identification in social learning theory?
People are more likely to imitate those they identify with
What is a ‘role model’ in social learning theory?
A person that is similar to the observer and has high status and attractiveness
They don’t have to be physically present, can be on TV or online
What is the act of imitating called?
Modelling
Who conducted a study that recorded the behavior of children after watching adults act aggressively?
Bandura
In Bandura’s study A, what did the children observe?
An adult being aggressive towards a doll
What was the outcome for children who witnessed aggression in Bandura’s study A?
They displayed aggression towards the Bobo doll
What were the three groups in Bandura’s study B watching?
- Adults rewarded for aggression
- Adults punished for aggression
- Control group with no consequences
Which group in Bandura’s study B showed the most aggression?
The group that saw the adult rewarded
What is one strength of social learning theory?
Recognizes the importance of cognitive factors
How does social learning theory provide a more comprehensive explanation of learning?
It includes cognitive factors, unlike classical and operant conditioning
What is another strength of social learning theory?
Real world application
- Explains cultural differences in behaviour
What does reciprocal determinism imply in social learning theory?
We influence our environment as well as being influenced by it
- Modelling, imitation and reinforcement accounts for how children learn from those around them
- Acknowledges our free will
What is one limitation of social learning theory?
Doesn’t acknowledge biological factors
What did Bandura believe about the source of learning?
Learning took place solely from the environment
What may observational learning actually be related to, according to critics?
Mirror neurons that allow us to empathize and imitate others
What is a criticism regarding the environment of Bandura’s experiments?
All conducted in artificial labs
What is a potential issue with Bandura’s Bobo doll study?
May be affected by demand characteristics and the advert for the bobo doll included hitting it
What does social learning theory tell us about real-life aggression?
It tells us little about real-life aggression
