Social Learning Theory (Approaches)

Question 1

What are the key assumptions of the Social Learning Theory?

Answer 1

• Observational learning/modelling can explain human learning through identification, imitation and reinforcement.
• Meditational processes play an important role in observational learning.
• Vicarious reinforcement can be motivated when learners observe role models receiving reinforcement.
• Involved laboratory experiments which quantifiable behaviour is observed.

Question 2

What is the aim of Banduras Bobo Doll experiment?

Answer 2

A controlled experiment to see and investigate if social behaviours can be acquired by observation and imitation.

Question 3

Procedure of Banduras Bobo Doll Experiment

Answer 3

• 72 children split into 3 groups of 12 girls, 12 boys each.
• One group was exposed to aggressive model attacking a Bobo Doll.
• The second group was exposed to a non-aggressive model playing quietly.
• The final group was a control group and was not exposed to any models.
• Children exposed to ‘mild aggression arousal’ (a toy they was going to play with taken off them as it was for ‘other children).
• Children put into room with aggressive and non-aggressive toys and were observed.

Question 4

What were the results of Banduras Bobo Doll experiment?

Answer 4

• Children who observed aggressive model = more aggressive responses than others.
• Girls in aggressive model = More physically aggressive responses if model was male, if model was female then more verbally aggressive responses were displayed.
• Boys = more likely to imitate same sex models
• Boys imitated more physically aggressive acts than girls
• There was very little difference in verbal aggression between boys and girls

Question 5

What is the conclusion with Banduras Bobo Doll experiment?

Answer 5

Children are able to learn social behaviour such as aggression through the process of observational learning. The findings support Banduras Bobo Doll theory.

Question 6

What are the three strengths of the Banduras Bobo Doll experiment (Experimental method)?

Answer 6

Possible answers:
- Experiments are the only means in which cause and effect can be established.
- Precise control of variables.
- Experiments can be replicated (standardised procedures and instructions were used, allowing for replicability.)
- There is research that backs up the idea of human behaviour
- Less reductionist than other theories

Question 7

What are three limitations of Banduras Bobo Doll experiment?

Answer 7

Possible answers:
- The model and the child are strangers.
- Children who hadn’t played with the Bobo doll before were five times as likely to imitate aggressive behaviour (due to novelty value of the doll)
- Demonstrations measured immediately (no knowledge of full time effects)
- Can be argued that it was unethical
- Deterministic
- Doesn’t take into account the children’s childhood

Question 8

What is Vicarious Reinforcement?

Answer 8

Learning through observation of the consequences of actions of other people.

Question 9

What are the four mediational processes?

Answer 9

1.) Attention - noticing behaviours
2.) Retention - remembering behaviours
3.) Motor reproduction - ability to perform behaviours
4.) Motivation - the will to perform behaviours

Question 10

What is imitation?

Answer 10

Copying and learning other behaviours and displaying them themselves

Question 11

What is identification?

Answer 11

An observer acting and imitating behaviours like a role model as they want to be like them

Question 12

What is modelling/(role)model

Answer 12

Performing behaviours and displaying them similar to their role model.