social learning theory Flashcards
what is social learning theory?
a way of explaining behaviour that incudes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
what is modelling?
from the observer’s perspective modelling is imitating the behvaiour of a role model. from the role model’s perspective, modelling is the demonstration of a spectific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer
what is observation?
to observe is to watch or listen to behaviour in others
what is imitation?
copying behvaiour previously observed in others
- in SLT imitation is a selective process and only models with key characterstics are likely to be modelled
what is vicarious reinforcement?
reinforcement refers to a consequence of behaviour that increases the liklihood of that behaviour being repeated
- vicarious reinforcement is not directly reinforced behaviour but comes from observing someone else being reinforced
what is reproduction?
the recall and enactment of the modelled behaviour in repsonse to appropriate circumstances
what are the stages of social learning?
1 - attention to the behaviour of the model
2- retention of observed behaviour e.g. storage in memory - main COGNITIVE element
3 - reproduction of behaviour in appropriate situation
4 - motivation to repeat the behaviour because of vicarious reinforcement
what is weakness of SLT?
genetic factors are also important as well as environmental factors.
- KENDLER (2015) showed that identical twins are more similar in their levels of aggression than non-identical twins which suggests that individual differences in social behaviour are genetically influenced
what is the competing argument from the weakness?
bandura did not totally disregard biological factors - he claimed that behaviours are not solely determined by social learning but it is the way it is expressed that is learned not the URGE
what is the application of SLT?
it explains the effect of media violence on aggression especially in children
- concern that children may imitate aggerssive behaviour modelled in violent tv
- james bulger murder was blamed on the boys watching child’s play 3
- SLT can help us predict when this may occur and may help to shape society
