Social learning Theory

Question 1

Social learning theory

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.

Question 2

Assumptions

Answer 2

Albert Bandura agreed with the ** behaviourists** that behaviour is learned from experience. However, his social learning theory propose a different way in which people learn - through observation and imitation of others. SLT suggested that learning because directly through classical and operant conditioning but also indirectly.

Question 3

Imitation

Answer 3

Copying the behaviour of others. Imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seem to be rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished.

Question 4

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 4

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. This is a key factor in imitation. The learner observes a behaviour but most importantly also observes the consequences of a behaviour.

Question 5

Identification

Answer 5

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model.
A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and/or attractive and have high status.

Question 6

Modelling

Answer 6

From the observer’s perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. From the role model’s perspective, Modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.

Question 7

Mediational processes

Answer 7

Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response.

Question 8

The role of mediational processes

Answer 8

SLT is often described as the ‘bridge’ between behaviourist learning theory and the cognitive approach because it focuses on how mental factors are involved in learning. These mental factors mediate in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.

Question 9

4 mediational processes

Answer 9

1. Attention - the extent to which we noticed certain behaviours.
2. Retention - how well the behaviour is remembered.
3. Motor reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
4. Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.

Question 10

Strengths

Answer 10

• Cognitive factors: neither classical nor operant conditioning can offer an adequate account of learning on their own. Humans and animals store information about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgement about when it is appropriate to perform certain actions. This suggest the SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes.

Real-world application: social learning theory has advantage of being able to explain cultural differences in behaviour. SLT principles, such as modelling, imitation and reinforcement, for how children learn from others around them, including the media, and this can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies. This has proved useful and understanding range of behaviours, such as how children come to understand their gender role.
This increases the value of the approach as it can account for real-world behaviour.

Question 11

Limitations

Answer 11

• Contrived lab studies: many of Bandura’s ideas for develop through observation of young children’s behaviour in the lab. Lab studies are often criticised for their contrived nature where participants may respond to ** demand characteristics**.
  It has been suggested, in relation to the Bodo research that, because the main purpose of the doll is to strike it,c the children were simply behaving in a way that they thought was expected.
  This suggests that the research may tell us a little about how children actually learn aggression in every day life.