social learning theory

Question 1

What are the assumptions of S.L.T.?

Answer 1

1) Behaviour is learned through experience
2) Behaviour is learned through observation and imitation
3) Internal mental processes such as memory and perception should not be ignored

Question 2

What does vicarious mean?

Answer 2

adjective, in regard to experience through the actions of another

Question 3

What are the four steps of vicarious learning?

Answer 3

• Attention
• Retention
• Reproduction
• Motivation

Question 4

Name a study supporting the idea of vicarious learning

Answer 4

The ‘Bobo Doll’ Study (Bandura & Walters)

Question 5

What are the key attributes that make someone likely to become a person’s role model?

Answer 5

• Age
• Gender
• Status (power)
• Likeability

Question 6

What are the two types of model?

Answer 6

• Live model (physically present influential figures such as parents)
• Symbolic models (influential figures present in the media, i.e. books and movies)

Question 7

What is vicarious punishment/reinforcement?

Answer 7

The encouragement or discouragement of a behaviour based on the witnessed punishment or reinforcement of another

Question 8

What are the benefits of the social learning theory?

Answer 8

• Accounts for cultural influence on behaviour
• Emphasises the importance of cognitive factors in learning
• Typically studies objective data (scientific credibility)
• less deterministic than behaviourism (suggests a person has free will

Question 9

What are the limitations of the social learning theory?

Answer 9

• underestimates the influence of biological factors

- relies too heavily on evidence from controlled lab studies

Question 10

What is identification?

Answer 10

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like them