Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Key assumptions of social learning theory
An extension of the behaviourist approach but there is interaction between the environment, behaviour and cognitive processes
Behaviourist can learned from observing and imitating role models
What is imitation
Action of using someone/ something as a model and copying their behaviour. It means to duplicate exactly the behaviour shown by the model
What is modelling
A form of learning that occurs after observing a model
What is identification
This is when an individual is influenced by another because they are in some way similar or wish to be like them or want to be associated with a particular person or group
Vicarious reinforcement ( INDIRECT reinforcement)
Learning occurs via observation of the behaviour of others and the rewards or punishments review for their behaviour
What are the 4 key mediations processes
Attention, retention, reproduction and motivation
Attention
For behaviour to be imitated it has to grab our attention - learning of behaviour
Retention
The behaviour may be noticed but it is not always remembered which prevents imitation. Learning of behaviour
Reproduction
We see many behaviours on a daily basis that we would like to be able to imitate but that is not always possible as we are limited by our physical ability - performance of behaviour
Motivation
The rewards and punishments that follow a behaviour will be considered by the observer. If the perceived rewards outweigh the costs then the behaviour will be more likely to be imitated by the observer - performance model f behaviour
Bandura bobo doll experiment aim
To investigate whether imitate aggressive role models
Procedure of the bobo doll experiment
72 children aged between 3&6 years old observed an adult either behaving aggressively or non aggressively toward an inflatable doll known as a bobo doll
They were divided into groups based on their gender and wether they would watch a same sex or opposite sex model
One by one the ppts watched the models behaviour for ten minutes through a one way mirror
The ppts then had a delay before being allowed in the room with toys including the bobo doll.
Findings of the bobo doll experiment
They found that the children who had observed aggressive behaviour acted more aggressively when observed and that boys acted more aggressive than girls. There was also a greater level of imitation of behaviour if the role model was the same gender as the child
Conclusions of the bobo doll experiment
That imitation can be seen even after a delay from the learning
That observing aggressive models can lead to aggressive behaviour
The level of imitation is affected by the role model’s characteristics eg gender
One limitation of the SLT
It makes little reference to the impact of biological factors on social learning. A consistent finding in the bobo doll experiment is that boys were often more aggressive than girls. This may be explained by hormonal factors, for example differences in levels of testosterone, which is present in greater quantities in boys and is liked to increased aggressive behaviour.
One strength of SLT over the behaviourist approach
Is that it acknowledges key meditational processes.
Human store information about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgements about when it is appropriate to perform certain actions SLT account for this but I consider considering the combination of behaviour and cognition. This is a strength because by recognise in the role of these meditational processes SLT uses a more holistic approach and therefore offers complete explanation of human learning than traditional classical and Operant conditioning.
