Social learning theory

Question 1

What does the SLT suggest?

Answer 1

That all behaviour is learned through observation and imitation.

Question 2

What is direct reinforcement in relation to gender development?

Answer 2

• Children are reinforced for gender-appropriate behaviour, so this behaviour is more likely to be repeated.

Question 3

What is differential reinforcement?

Answer 3

• The way in which boys and girls are encouraged to show distinct gender-appropriate behaviours.
• How a child learns their gender identity.

Question 4

What is indirect reinforcement in relation to gender development?

Answer 4

• If a child sees another person being reinforced for gender-appropriate behaviour, they are likely to imitate this behaviour in the hope they that too will receive the reward.
• If the consequences of another persons behaviour are favourable, that behaviour is more likely to be imitated by a child.
• IF the consequences of the behaviour are unfavourable, this decreases the likelihood of the behaviour being copied.

Question 5

What is identification?

Answer 5

• The process by which a child attaches themselves to a same-sex model who’s qualities they would like to posses for themselves.
• The person possesses qualities that the child sees as rewarding.

Question 6

What is modelling?

Answer 6

The precise demonstration on a behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.

Question 7

What are the meditational processes that are essential for the learning of gender behaviour?

Answer 7

Attention
Retention
Motivation
Motor reproduction

Question 8

State 2 positives of the SLT as an explanation for gender development.

Answer 8

Supporting evidence:
- Smith and Lloyd with 4-6 month babies
- half the time dressed as girls and half the time dressed as girls and response of adults was recorded
Explains changing roles in western society:
- androgyny - less clear cut distinction of masculine and feminine traits
- may be explained by a shift in social expectations an cultural norms which has meant that new forms of acceptable gender behaviour have been reinforced

Question 9

State 2 negatives of the SLT as an explanation for gender development.

Answer 9

Not a developmental theory:
- doesn’t provide adequate explanation for how learning develops through age
Minimises influence of biological factors:
- case of David Reimer - not possible to raise a biological male as a female and override chromosomal influence