Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Who proposed the social learning theory?
Albert Bandura (1986).
What did Bandura argue?
That people learn indirectly (vicariously) through observation and imitation of role models.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
This is where an individual observes a behaviour being reinforced and it makes them likely to imitate this behaviour.
What is identification?
This is where an individual (especially children) are more likely to imitate the behaviour of whom they identify with (role models).
What can the identification process be known as?
Modeling.
How does an individual become a role model?
If they possess similar characteristics to the observer, are attractive and have a high status.
What is the role of mediational processes?
These are mental processes that are involved in learning. They mediate (intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.
What are the four mediational processes in learning?
- Attention.
- Retention.
- Reproduction.
- Motivation.
What study did Bandura conduct towards the social learning theory?
Bandura et al’s Bobo Doll Experiment (1961).
What was the aim of Bandura’s bobo doll experiment?
To see if role models can influence behaviour even when no longer present.
What two conditions did Bandura’s study involve?
One half of a group of children were shown an aggressive adult model acting aggressively towards a bobo doll, and another half being shown a non-aggressive adult model.
After the children in Bandura’s study were shown the models, what was done next?
The children were taken into a room amongst toys and a bobo doll. The children were observed for 20 minutes and their behaviour was rated on a scale for aggression.
What were the findings in Bandura’s study?
The children who observed the aggressive model imitated much of the aggression shown towards the bobo doll whereas those who observed the non-aggressive model showed virtually no aggression.
What was the conclusion in Bandura’s study?
That observing aggressive models can lead to the imitation of such aggression.
The level of imitation is affected by the role model’s characteristics.
What are the six evaluation points of the social learning theory?
+ Scientific.
- Some mediational processes cannot be observed.
+ Practical applications,
- Largely based on studies of young children in controlled settings.
+ Less reductionist than behaviourist approach.
+ Less determinist than behaviourist approach.
