social learning theory Flashcards
what are the assumptions of social learning theory
- behaviour is learnt from the environment and thus genetics do not influence behaviour
- behaviour is learnt from observing others and the reinforcement or punishment they receive
what is identification in social learning theory
when an individual is influenced by another because they are in some way similar to that person for wish to be like them
what is imitation
when an individual observes the behaviour of a role model and copies it
what is modelling
observing the behaviour of a role model
what is vicarious reinforcement
seeing someone receive reinforcement for a behaviour therefore making the observer more or less likely to copy it
what are the four mediating processes in slt
attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation
what is attention in slt
for a behaviour to be imitated we have to notice it
what is retention in slt
we have to remember the behaviour we noticed for it to be imitated
what is motor reproduction in slt
we have to physically be able to imitate the behaviour
what is motivation in slt
we have to want to perform the behaviour to imitate it
discuss banduras study
investigated how children learn behavior through observation. In the study, 72 children watched an adult model either act aggressively or non-aggressively towards a Bobo doll. Later, when left alone with the doll, children who had seen the aggressive model were more likely to imitate aggressive behaviors, such as hitting or kicking the doll. Boys were generally more aggressive than girls, but both genders imitated verbal aggression. The study demonstrated that children can learn behaviors by observing others, supporting Bandura’s theory of social learning, which emphasizes the role of observation and imitation in behavior development.
evaluate banduras study
(+) experimental method- used controlled conditions
(-) low ecological validity- unfamiliar environment, no interaction between child and model
(-) used children as ppts- behave differently to adults
(-) unethical- purposely made all children experience aggression arousal which may have caused harm or stress
what is a strength of social learning theory (evidence)
supported by evidence - bandura
what is a limitation of social learning theory (nurture)
favours nurture side- bandura suggested we learn behaviour through observation and vicarious reinforcement and this claim ignores the evidence that suggests biological factors also contribute to behaviour. this is a limitation as it takes a very one sided view, and ignores biological evidence
evaluate overall social learning theory
evidence, acknowledges role of cognitions in behaviour, enables understanding of cultural differences, favours nurture side
