Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Define imitation:
Copying the behaviour of others and learning indirectly through observation within a social context.
Define identification:
When an individual associates himself with a role model and wants to be like that role model. Bandura States that if we identify with someone we are more likely to imitate their behaviour.
What is modelling?
It can be described from the point of view of the observer or the role model. An observer will imitate what they have seen. And a model will display the type of behaviour which is copied.
Define vicarious reinforcement:
It is learning by observing other people get rewarded. We are not directly reinforced ourselves but receive a form of reinforcement when we see others get rewarded.
What are the four factors of the mediational process?
Attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation.
Do you observer can observe a behaviour, store it in their memory, and reproduce at a later date.
Define attention:
The extent to which we notice certain behaviours
Define retention:
How well the behaviour is remembered
Define motor reproduction:
The ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
Define motivation:
The will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished
What are the advantages of the social learning theory?
- it uses human participants
- it uses scientific methods which are measured, controlled and performed in a lab
- It is supported by Bandura’s research
- it acknowledges cognitive processes
What are the disadvantages of the social learning theory?
- The studies that ecological validity
- it ignores other influences on behaviour (like genetics and personality)
Give an example of the social learning theory:
When an adult attacks a Bobo doll in an aggressive manner which results in a child reacting the same way. (Bandura’s research)
