Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What does the SLT suggest?
That we learn; the form aggression takes, how often, situations that produce, and targets to direct it at - through the observation of others.
What does SLT suggest in terms of biological factors?
That biological factors are not ignored, and may be the potential for aggression, but the expression of anger is learned. Supported by Bandura’s Bobo Doll theory.
How does Bandura’s theory compare to Skinner’s?
Skinner’s operant conditioning claimed learning was through direct reinforcement.
Bandura suggested learning was done through observation of role models and vicarious reinforcement.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
The learning of behavior through the observation of rewards and punishments.
For example, a child witnessing examples of aggression from TV or reality gradually learns what the appropriate conduct is and whether it is worth repeating.
According to Bandura, what must come before SL?
The child must form mental representations of events , and possible rewards and punishments in terms of expectancies of future outcomes.
Appropriate opportunities in the future will elicit the learned behaviour as long as rewards outweigh punishments.
Describe the maintenance through direct experience.
If a child is rewarded for their behaviour, they will likely repeat the same action in similar situations. For example, a child successfully bullying others will attach considerable value to aggression.
Describe the role of self-efficacy expectancies.
Children develop confidence in their ability to carry out necessary aggressive actions. Children with disastrous consequences of their behavior will have lower self efficacy to use their aggression resolve conflicts, meaning they turn to other means.
Describe results of the Bobo Doll study.
One third of the children in the condition repeated the model’s verbal response, while those in the control didn’t.
Boys exhibited more physical aggression, but did not differ in verbal aggression.
