Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is needed for slt to occur
A model of an attitude or behaviour.
This is then observed and copied.
What is imitation
It is a process of copying observed behaviour. It is more likely to occur if identification occurs.
Shutts et al 2010- children more likely to identify with those similar to them.
Bandura and Walter 1963
Children observing a model who is rewarded is more likely to imitate their behaviour.
This is vicarious reinforcement.
Bandura et al 1961
Children either saw an aggressive or non-aggressive model with a bobo doll then tested for imitative behaviour.
Those who saw the aggressive were physically and verbally aggressive. Those who saw non-aggressive did not even make verbally aggressive marks.
Strength of slt
Application to criminal behaviour.
Akers (1988) found people more likely to imitate virtual (computer) humans that are similar than real humans who are dissimilar.
So if an individual identifies with a criminal and develops idea of positive consequences of behaviour they are more likely to imitate.
This helps psychologists understand what causes criminal behaviour and what could reduce it.
Another strength of slt
Is research support.
Bandura 1961
Those who identified with model were more likely to imitate.
This helps us understand what makes it more likely for people to copy.
A criticism of slt
Is causality.
Siegel and McCormik 2006 said young people with deviant attitudes are more likely to identify with those of similar attitudes. Therefore, humans don’t observe behaviour and copy negative behaviour but delinquents seek out similar peers.
A strength of slt
Is the application to health campaigns.
Andsager et al 2006 found perceived similarity with anti-alcohol ad was positively related to messages’ effectiveness.
Can use this to put forward other good behaviour and ideas.
Mediational processes
Mental processes that intervene to determine whether the process is learned.
ARAM
ARAM
Attention
Retention
Ability
Motivation
