Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Social learning theory

Answer 1

States that we learn how to behave by watching others and copying their behaviour

Behaviour is more likely to be copied if it’s positively reinforced

Question 2

Define imitation

Answer 2

When someone or something is used as a model which is then simulated or copied by the other person

E.g a child copying what there mother is doing such as pretending to be on the phone

Question 3

Define identification

Answer 3

An individual assimilates an aspect of another person and is transformed wholly or partially by the model that the other person provides

Question 4

Define modelling

Answer 4

Modelling can occur when an observer imitates a role model or when a person produces a specific behaviour that may be imitated

Question 5

Define vicarious reinforcement

Answer 5

Vicarious reinforcement involves learning through observation of the consequences of actions for the other people. The learner sees the role model and is motivated to imitate their behaviour as if they had reinforced themselves

Question 6

Define the role of mediational processes

Answer 6

These processes are cognitive factors that intervene in the learning process to determine whether a new behaviour is acquired or not

The 4 processes are:
Retention-whether we remember it
Attention-whether we notice the behaviour
Reproduction-whether we are able to perform the behaviour
Motivation-whether the perceived rewards outweigh the costs

Question 7

The bobo doll experiment

Answer 7

Aim- Bandura conducted the study to investigate if social behaviours can be acquired by imitation

Method- children aged 2.5 - 6 watched a film of adults hitting a bobo doll and then were put into a room with the doll. One group of kids were reinforced with sweets and another were punished and the final control group were left with nothing

Results- both boys and girls produced more aggressive behaviour after being rewarded than those who were punished

Conclusion- children learn behaviour through observation and imitation

Question 8

Evaluation of the social learning theory

Answer 8

Positives:
Methods used had control over variables and the precise measurements meant the study was reliable

Useful applications- takes thoughts and processes into account and acknowledges the role they play in deciding to imitate or not

Negatives:
The approach is deterministic and takes the nurture side of the debate believing all behaviour is from the environment

Cause and effect- can’t account for complex behaviour including thoughts and feelings