social learning theory (learning approach 1/2) Flashcards
what did bandura say behaviour was learned through
observation and imitation of others’ behaviour
what are the stages of the social learning theory known as
mediational processes
what are mediational processes
cognitive factors which influence learning/come between stimulus and response
describe the 4 mediational processes
- attention = individual needs to pay attention to behaviour/the consequences to imitate behaviour
- retention = storing the observed behaviour in the LTM/remembering behaviour
- reproduction = individual must be able to reproduce observed behaviour (skills/ability)
- motivation = the will to perform the behaviour - often determined on if behaviour was rewarded or punished
what’s vicarious reinforcement
individual observes a certain behaviour being rewarded and so they may imitate this behaviour in order to receive the reward
how does identification affect the likelihood of imitation of behaviour
people are more likely to imitate people they identify with eg. sharing similar characteristics (like age, gender etc.)
modelling
= process of imitating a role model
person they identify with is called a role model (identification)
how does a person become a role model
- possess similar characteristics to observer
- and/or attractive
- have high status
AO3 (+) cognitive factors
P: recognises importance of cognitive factors in learning
E: neither classical nor operant conditioning can offer adequate account of learning on their own. humans & animals store info about behaviour of others & use this to make judgements about when it is appropriate to perform certain actions
T: suggests SLT provides more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising role of mediational processes
AO3 (-) counterpoint to cognitive processes
P: SLT has been criticised for referencing too little the influence of biological factors on social learning
E: even though bandura claimed natural biological differences influenced our learning potential, he thought learning was mainly determined by environment. however, much recent research suggests observational learning may be result of mirror neurons in brain, which allow us to empathise with/imitate other people
T: suggests biological influences on social learning are under-emphasised by SLT
AO3 (-) contrived lab studies
P: evidence on which the SLT is based was gathered through lab studies
E: many of banduras ideas developed via observation of young childrens behaviour in a lab. these studies are often criticised for potential for demand characteristics from participants. for example, in the bobo doll experiment, its been suggested that because the main purpose of the doll was to strike it, the children were simply behaving in a way they thought was expected
T: research may tell us very little about how children actually learn everyday aggression in the real-world
AO3 (+) real world application
P: SLT principles applied to range of real-world behaviours
E: the theory is able to explain cultural differences in behaviour. SLT principles (eg. modelling, imitation & reinforcement) can account for how children learn from others around them, including the media. this can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies. this has proved useful in understanding range of behaviours eg. how children understand their gender role
T: increases value & usefulness of approach as can account for real-world behaviour
