Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is social learning theory?
A theory proposed by Bandura that explains how behavior is learned through observation and imitation of others.
Who proposed social learning theory?
Albert Bandura
What does social learning theory reject from Skinner’s views?
The idea that direct consequences on behavior are sufficient to explain behavior.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Learning the potential consequences of behavior by observing others being rewarded for it.
Define ‘role models’ in the context of social learning theory.
Individuals significant to us, such as parents, friends, or celebrities, whose behaviors we observe and may imitate.
What happens when a role model’s behavior is positively reinforced?
It acts as a vicarious reinforcement for the observer, increasing the likelihood of imitation.
What is modeling in social learning theory?
The process of observing and subsequently imitating the behavior of others.
What is the effect of a model’s behavior being punished?
It acts as vicarious punishment for the observer, making imitation of that behavior less likely.
What factors influence the likelihood of imitation according to Bandura?
Identification with the role model, perceived similarity (e.g., gender, ethnicity), and aspiration to the model’s status.
List the cognitive mediational processes highlighted by Bandura.
- Attention
- Retention
- Motivation
- Motor Reproduction
What is the first step in the cognitive mediational processes?
Attention must be paid to the behavior and its consequences.
What does retention refer to in social learning theory?
The ability to recall the behavior and its consequences after observing it.
What influences an observer’s motivation to perform a behavior?
Vicarious reinforcement and identification with the model.
What is motor reproduction in the context of social learning theory?
The observer’s belief in their ability to reproduce the observed behavior.
True or False: According to social learning theory, behavior is learned only through direct experience.
False
Fill in the blank: Social learning theory explains the role of _______ in learning behavior.
cognition
How does social learning theory relate to aggression and stereotypes?
It explains how behaviors associated with aggression and stereotypes can be learned through observation and media.
Who were the participants in Bandura’s 1961 research?
36 boys and 36 girls, all 4 years old.
What did the aggressive model do in Bandura’s experiment?
Behaved aggressively towards a Bobo doll by punching and hitting it with a hammer.
What was the purpose of creating frustration in the children during Bandura’s study?
To prevent them from playing with new toys and observe their subsequent behavior.
What was observed through a one-way mirror in Bandura’s experiment?
The children’s behavior towards the Bobo doll.
What did children in the Aggressive Model condition do?
Reproduced a high number of physical and verbal aggressive acts resembling that of the model.
What behavior did children who observed the Non-Aggressive model exhibit?
Virtually no aggression towards the Bobo doll.
How did gender influence the imitation of aggressive behavior in Bandura’s study?
Children were more likely to imitate the model’s aggressive behavior if the model was the same gender.
Which gender showed higher levels of aggression in Bandura’s research?
Boys.
What concept does Bandura’s research support regarding learning behavior?
We learn behavior, such as aggression, from observing the behaviors of others.
What was the procedure of Bandura and Walters’ 1963 follow-up study?
Children were shown videos of an adult behaving aggressively towards a Bobo doll in three different conditions.
What were the three conditions in Bandura and Walters’ follow-up study?
- No consequences (Control group)
- Positive reinforcement for aggressive behavior
- Punishment for aggressive behavior
Which group of children was most likely to imitate aggressive acts in the follow-up study?
Children exposed to the model positively reinforced.
What does the follow-up study illustrate about vicarious reinforcement?
We learn behavior by observing the consequences of others’ behavior.
Fill in the blank: Bandura’s research suggests that children are influenced by _______ to imitate aggressive behavior.
role models.
True or False: Children in the model punished condition were most likely to imitate aggressive behavior.
False.
