Social Learning Theory Approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the social learning theory:

Answer 1

We learn through the observation and imitation of others. Behaviour is repeated if it is seen to be rewarded rather than punished.

Question 2

What research method is used in the social learning theory?

Answer 2

Laboratory study

Question 3

What is vicarious reinforcement from the social learning theory?

Answer 3

When we imitate behaviour that we have seen be reinforced and rewarded through indirectly observing others.

Question 4

What are mediational processes from the social learning theory?

Answer 4

Cognitive factors (e.g. thinking) that influence learning and come in between stimulus and response.

Question 5

What are the 4 mediational processes according to the social learning theory?

Answer 5

• Attention = The extent to which we notice certain behaviours
• Retention = How behaviour is remembered
• Motor reproduction = The ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
• Motivation = The will to perform the behaviour (determined by if behaviour is punished/rewarded)

Question 6

What is the key study for the social learning theory:

Answer 6

Bandura’s research

Question 7

Name the four evaluation points for Bandura’s research:

Answer 7

• Cognitive factors (S)
• Real world application (S)
• Contrived lab studies (L)
• Underestimates the influence of biology (L)

Question 8

Explain the evaluation point ‘cognitive factors (S)’ for the social learning theory:

Answer 8

• Recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning.
• Classical and operant conditioning do not offer an adequate amount of learning on their own.
• Observation and imitation of others also aid our learning.

Question 9

Explain the evaluation point ‘Real world application (S)’ for the social learning theory:

Answer 9

• SLT principles allow us to understand cultural differences in behaviour and demonstrates how children can learn from others around them, and how social norms are passed down in cultures.
• Useful in understanding behaviours e.g. how children come to understand their gender role

Question 10

Explain the evaluation point ‘Contrived lab studies (L)’ for the social learning theory:

Answer 10

• Much of bandura’s research was based on children’s behaviour in lab settings.
• Lab settings are often criticised for their contrived nature as Ps may respond to demand characteristics e.g. the children thought that the purpose of the bobo doll was to strike it and were simply acting in the way that they thought was expected.

Question 11

Explain the evaluation point ‘underestimates the influence of biology (L)’ for the social learning theory:

Answer 11

• Bandura makes little reference to the impact of biology on social learning, which may have a significant impact.
• One consistent finding in the experiment was that observed males were always more aggressive than observed females.
• May be explained due to biological factors, such as males having higher levels of testosterone.

Question 12

Social learning theory - nature or nurture?

Answer 12

Nurture