social learning theory - main features Flashcards
What is SLT?
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.
What are the four stages of social learning?
- ATTENTION to the behaviour of the model.
- RETENTION of the observed behaviour (i.e., storage in memory - main cognitive element).
- REPRODUCTION of the behaviour in an appropriate situation.
- MOTIVATION to repeat the behaviour because of vicarious reinforcement.
What does it mean to MODEL a behaviour?
Modelling takes place when one individual displays a particular social behaviour in the presence of another.
Who is the MODEL ?
The individual demonstrating the behaviour that the others are observing.
When are models most likely to be imitated ?
- if they are the same sex as the observer
- if they are the same age as the observer
- if they are generally likeable
- if they are conventionally attractive
- if they appear to have a high social status
Why are observers more likely to replicate the behaviour of a model they like ?
If the observer identifies with the model (i.e., admires and wishes to become like them) and therefore imitate their behaviour.
What is OBSERVATION ?
Observation is an active process in which the observer chooses to focus their attention on the modelled behaviour and watch it.
What is IMITATION?
Imitation is copying the observed behaviour.
What is the most important mechanism in SLT?
Imitation is the most important mechanism. Once the behaviour has been observed and stored it can be reproduced whenever the situation is appropriate.
What is VICARIOUS REINFORCEMENT?
Vicarious Reinforcement is experienced when an observer witnesses the model being rewarded in some way for the behaviour.
What is DIRECT REINFORCEMENT?
Direct Reinforcement takes place when the individual (observer) carries out the behaviour and a pleasant consequence follows.
What is the SUPPORTING EVIDENCE for SLT?
- BANDURA’S studies (study elsewhere) showed that children would imitate an aggressive model who demonstrated aggression against a BOBO doll.
- NICOL AND POPE found that chickens would selectively imitate high status, same sex model chickens in pecking a pad for food.
What is CONFLICTING EVIDENCE for SLT?
- SLT is NOT A COMPLETE EXPLANATION for the acquisition of behaviours.
- the largest weakness is that GENETIC FACTORS are also important, as well as ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES.
- KENDLER ET AL. (2015) showed that Monozygotic twins are more similar in their levels of their aggression than Dizygotic twins.
- This suggests that individual differences in social behaviour like aggressiveness are genetically influenced and not simply a product of different experiences of modelling.
What is an OPPOSING THEORY of SLT?
- Classical Conditioning
- Operant Conditioning
What is an APPLICATION of SLT?
- A further strength is that it explains the alleged affect of social media, media violence, especially on children.
- There is a concern that children may imitate aggressive behaviour they witness on the tv or in video games.
- Some blame the murder of JAMES BULGER on the fact that one of the killers allegedly having watched CHILD’S PLAY 3.
- SLT may be helpful in predicting when this sort of thing might occur, e.g, when the aggressor is attractive and has a high social status .
- The application demonstrates how influential SLT is in shaping the social behaviours of society.
