social learning theory

Question 1

what is the social learning theory

Answer 1

albert bandura is the founder of the social learning theory and he agreed with behaviourist that our behaviour is learnt through conditioning. however he also suggested we learn through observation and imitation. SLT suggests that learning occurs indirectly as we observe and imitate. SLT suggests that learning occurs indirectly as we observe other people’s behaviours

Question 2

what is modelling , identification and imitation

Answer 2

modelling - a particular person carrrying out a behaviour
live model- parent and symbolic model - actress
these models can be observed and then imitated
identification referred to the extent an individual relates to a model and wants to be like them.

Question 3

how to remember identification (acronym)

Answer 3

F- friendly
L-likeable
A-age
G-gender
S-status

Question 4

what’s vicarious reinforcement

Answer 4

reinforcement which isn’t directly exper hence but occurs through observation.
an individual who observes a model being rewarded for certain behaviour is more likely to imitate that behaviour for the same rewards. people observe consequences and rewards to make judgment on how to act.

Question 5

what is needed for imitation (ARRM)

Answer 5

attention
retention- remembering the behaviour
reproduction- capable of reproducing behaviour
motivation- the rewards and punishments

Question 6

explain bandura study with the BOBO dolll

Answer 6

children which were 2-6 years old watched a film of an adult punching and shouting at a bobo doll.

G1- seen adult get rewarded
G2- see adult punished
G3- no ending for control
FINDINGS
G1- high levels of aggression
G2- low levels of aggression
G3- medium levels of aggression
this study supports vicarious learning

Question 7

A03 of social learning theory

Answer 7

oint: Social learning theory is described as less deterministic than the behaviourist approac
Example/Evidence: It suggests that when a person observes a behaviour, they have cognitive mental processes which allow the person to then choose whether to imitate it. For example, if a child observes a role-model acting aggressively, they can choose if they want to imitate this aggressive act. If they are motivated (expect a reward) they are more likely to choose to imitate the behaviour.
Link: This is a strength as the theory says our behaviour is not entirely controlled/determined. The social learning theory takes into consideration that humans have a certain amount of free will, which is a more positive way of looking at human behaviour.

Point: The Social Learning theory is not as reductionist as other approaches on its view of human behaviour. ample/Evidence: This is because it suggests that individuals can decide whether to observe and imitate a behaviour. For example, if there is an absence of mediational processes e.g. attention or motivation, they may not imitate it.
Link: Therefore, SLT is less reductionist than the biological and behaviourist approaches.
it Evidence
Bandaura’s experment.
Point: There are many pieces of supporting evidence for the social learning approach.
Example/Evidence: Much supporting research comes from scientific laboratory studies. For example, Bobo aggression study supports the SLT as it demonstrates the power if a child observing a role-model producing an aggressive act, the child will then go onto imitate this aggressive act (this will be taught in the next section).
Link: This is a strength as having supporting research such as this is good as it adds validity and credibility to the social learning theory.
Application (Can the approach be used to help people in the real world?) Point: The principles of social learning theory have been used to increase our understanding of why humans behave in a pro-social or antisocial way,
Example/Evidence: Social learning theory can be used to explain how children develop aggressive behaviour or gender stereotypical behaviour. Gender behaviours and aggressive behaviours are modelled by same sex role models (usually parents or role models in the media) and these behaviours are then imitated by children, especially if they expect to be rewarded.
Link: It is a strength to know how children learn these behaviours from role models, as parents may use the theory to ensure they do not get exposed to these negative behaviours. Parents can attempt to ensure that their children do not get over exposed to negative role models in the media. They could also ensure that only positive