Social Learning Theory Explanation Of Gender Development

Question 1

What is social learning theory

Answer 1

Learning through indirectly observing others and imitating behaviours that are rewarded (vicarious reinforcement)

Question 2

What is social learning theory as applied to gender development

Answer 2

Feminine and masculine behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of same sex role-models and through reinforcement for gender-appropriate behaviour

Question 3

What is direct reinforcement in the context of gender development

Answer 3

Children are more likely to be reinforced (praised or encouraged) for demonstrating behaviour that is gender-appropriate leading the child to be more likely to repeat the behaviour

Question 4

What is differential reinforcement

Answer 4

The way in which boys and girls are encouraged to show distinct gender-appropriate behaviour

Question 5

What is indirect (vicarious) reinforcement in the context of gender development

Answer 5

If the child observes their role model receive positive consequences for their behaviour they are more likely to imitate it

Question 6

Outline an example of a child learning gender-appropriate behaviour through indirect reinforcement

Answer 6

If a little girl sees her mother receive a compliment when she wears make-up and a pretty dress, the girl may imitate this behaviour

Question 7

What is identification

Answer 7

Whereby a child attached themselves to people who are seen to be ‘like me’ or they are someone ‘i want to be’- these people are known as role models

Question 8

What is modelling from the role of the model’s perspective

Answer 8

The precise demonstration of a behaviour that may be imitated by an observer

Question 9

What is modelling from the observer’s perspective

Answer 9

Imitation of a behaviour portrayed by the model

Question 10

What are the four mediational processes

Answer 10

1. Attention
2. Retention
3. Motor reproduction
4. Motivation

Question 11

Outline an example of a child learning gender-appropriate behaviour through the four mediational processes

Answer 11

1. A little girl pays close attention to her mother putting make-up on (her mother is a role model and the little girl identifies with her)
2. She remembers how her mum put the make-up on
3. She replicates the behaviour as she possesses the motor skills needed to apply the make-up
4. She is motivated to imitate this behaviour as she wants to be like her mother