Social Learning Theory (approaches)

Question 1

Assumptions of social learning theory

Answer 1

Human learning is explained through observational learning or modelling, which involves identification, imitation and reinforcement
Mediating cognitive factors play an important role observational learning. These include attention, retention, reproduction and motivation
In vicarious reinforcement, reproduction of behaviour can be motivated when learners observe role models receiving reinforcement
The majority of social learning theory research involves laboratory experiments in which quantifiable behaviour is observed

Question 2

What does social learning theory suggest?

Answer 2

Behaviour is learned through observation and imitation
We must identify with someone through many factors to consider them a role model and want to imitate them

Question 3

What are mediational processes?

Answer 3

Attention - to what extent was the behaviour noticed
Retention - how well was the behaviour remembered
Motor reproduction - how able is the observer to reproduce the behaviour
Motivation - the will to carry out the behaviour observed, determined by whether it was punished or not

Question 4

What are mediational processes?

Answer 4

If all these processes are implemented learning and imitation can take place

Question 5

Julian Rotter

Answer 5

He was amongst the first to move away from strict behaviourism and focus on holistic interaction between the individual and the environment
He believed behaviourism was too reductionist and that internal functioning, personality and social context affected our behaviour
Through the 1950’s Bandura developed this further

Question 6

Comparison with the behaviourist approach

Answer 6

They are both interested in how behaviour is learned, and they both use scientific research
SLT is more holistic and believes behaviour is a choice depending on outcome (mediational processes)
Behaviourism believes we are a blank slate, and they believe animals are very similar to humans

Question 7

Key features of SLT

Answer 7

Behaviour is learned directly or indirectly
Indirect learning is in a social context, from role models or through observation of the behaviour and its consequences
Information processing mediates between stimulus and response and decisions are made about whether to imitate
The individual is not a passive receiver of learning: cognition, behaviour and environment all influence one another (reciprocal determinism)

Question 8

Evaluation of Bandura’s study

Answer 8

Lab study - high control making it reliable
However this could lead to demand characteristic which could decrease reliability
Real world application - shows that people will copy the behaviour of others
The sole purpose of a bobo doll is to be hit - inaccurate findings

Question 9

CARS evaluation

Answer 9

C - SLT ignores biology, better than the behaviours approach, uses human studies not animal studies
A - yes, it shows that we are likely to imitate behaviours that we see
R - it is oversimplified as it is reductionist, considers more factors than behaviourist but still not many
S - there is supporting research (Bandura) which can be easily replicated and it is objective and quantification is good