social learning theory Flashcards
what is social learning theory based on
based on the idea that we learn through observing others and imitating behaviours that are rewarded
what is modelling
is a form of learning whee individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual performing that behaviour
what us identification
a form of influence where an individual adopts an attitude or behaviour because they want to be associated with a particular person or group
what is imitation
the action of using someone or something as a model and copying their behaviour
what is mediational processes
refer to the internal mental processes that exist between environmental stimuli and the response made by an individual to those stimuli
what is vicarious reinforcement
learning that is not a result of direct reinforcement of behaviour, but through observing someone else being reinforced for that behaviour
who did the experiment into social learning theory
bandora et al, he carried out an experiment which involved children who observed aggressive behaviour or non-aggressive adult models and were then tested for imitative learning in the absence of the model. Half of the children were exposed to aggressive and half to non.
what did bandora find in his experiment
children who observe the aggressive model reproduced a good ideal of physically and verbally aggressive behaviour resembling that of the model.
Children who observed the non-aggressive model exhibited virtually no aggression towards the bobo doll.
long term check ups showed that the children exposed to aggressive models were more likely to show a high level of aggression in their own play.
what is the positive evaluation for SLT
- SLT has usefully application. The principles of SLT has been applied to increase the understanding of many areas of human behaviours, including criminal behaviour. For example Akers, suggest that the probability of an indivudal carrying out a crime is increased when they are exposed to model who commit criminal behaviour.
- Research to support identification. According to SLT greater identification with the model leads to more learning because it is easier to visualise the self in the place of the model, which was supported by Fox and Bailenson
what are the limitations with the SLT
- although it can explain some quite complex behaviour, it cannot adequately account for how we develop a whole range of behaviour including thoughts and feelings. Because of this Social learning theory is not a full explanation for all behavior. This is particularly the case when there is no apparent role model in the person’s life to imitate for a given behaviour. Thus is reductionist, as it is too simplistic for an explanation for behaviour as a whole. Also it is reductionist because it ignores biological factors and other external factors which may explain and cause some human behaviour.
