Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Assumptions of social learning theory

Answer 1

Proposed a different way in which people learn through observation and imitation of others within a social context.

SLT suggests we learn directly through classical and operant conditioning but also indirectly.

Question 2

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 2

Reinforcement in which not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. This is key factor in imitation

Question 3

BANDURA: Four mental or meditational processes in learning

Answer 3

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

1&2 related to the learning, 3&4 to the performance, observed behaviours may be stored by the observer and reproduced at a later time

Question 4

Identification

Answer 4

Role models are people who we imitate another behaviour of and identify with, this is called modelling.

A person becomes a role model if they are seen to process similar characteristics to the observer and/or attractive and have high status.

Question 5

Evaluation of social learning theory

Answer 5

1. STL provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of meditational processing(cognitive factors).
2. BANDURA’S idea were developed in a lab setting, participants may respond to demand characteristics.
3. The importance of biological factors on behaviour is not accounted for in SLT.