Social Learning Theory Evaluation Flashcards
SLT Determinism…
SLT is slightly less deterministic than the behaviourist approach.
This is because Bandura emphasised the importance of reciprocal determinism- we are not merely influenced by our external environment but also exert influence upon it, through what behaviours we choose to perform.
Therefore, this approach is an example of soft determinism which is in contrast to the hard determinism of other approaches such as the behaviourist, biological and psychodynamic. Therefore, it acknowledges some degree of choice/ free will.
SLT Practical applications…
SLT has had many useful practical (real world) applications.
This has led to treatments for phobias using modelling behaviour- a client sees a model interact calmly with a feared stimulus and imitates this behaviour. Other applications include consideration of the implications of media violence which led to the 9pm watershed and certification of films and games.
Therefore, SLT has had real life applications which benefit society and the economy. It has economic implications as people are able to return to work due to psychological treatments for phobias, reducing the burden on employers, the NHS and taxpayer.
SLT Reductionist…
Bandura makes little references to biological factors.
The Bobo Doll study found that boys were overall more aggressive than girls.
This may mean that there are biological explanations for human behaviour that is neglected by SLT. The biological approach would criticise this as Bandura hasn’t considered the biological factors that impact human behaviour and doesn’t take a holistic approach.
SLT Scientific credibility…
Bandura’s theories were largely based on observations of young children in lab settings.
Lab experiments allow behaviour to be directly observed in controlled conditions. The use of direct observations also allow for the objective measurement of behaviour.
This therefore means that the methodology of SLT studies increase the approaches scientific credibility.
