Social learning theory (neo behaviourist) Flashcards
Key assumptions
- we are born as blank slates
- behaviour is learned from the environment, so it does not regard the influence of genetics
- stimulus-response- behaviourists aren’t interested in what happens between stimulus and response
- behaviour is learned from observing and the reinforcement or punishment the model recieves
The SLT (social learning theory) proposes that several processes take place for learning to happen. What are they
- modelling- observing and imitating another person (model). Requires identification within the model. If you identify with the model, you can copy and learn from their behaviour
- reinforcement- positive and negative reinforcementmakes the behaviour more likely to happen again in the future
- vicarious reinforcement- seeing others being rewarded for a behaviour influences someone in whether they choose to imitate the behaviour
What is imitation
- describes how an individual observes a behaviour from a role model and copies it
- behaviour is often not able to be copied exactly
What is identification
- when the individual is influenced by another because they are similar or wish to be like them
- the model is the person they identify with
What is a model and what is modelling
- when someone is influential they are a model
- if a person then imitates that person’s behaviour, they are modelling
Who is Bandura and what is his research
- developed the SLT
- his theory considers the thought processes that underlie our behaviour
- challenges Skinner’s ideas
- believes reinforces and punishments only inform the individual of the likely consequences and it is down to the individual as to whether they are affected by the potential consequences
- we learn behaviour by observing the positive/negative consequences of someone else’s behaviour- learn vicariously
For effective learning, mediational processes need to happen. 4 were identified by Bandura. What are they
1) attention- a person pays attention to someone else’s behaviour
2) retention- they memorise the behaviour they have observed
3) production- they practice the behaviour themselves
4) motivation- given a reason, they may use it
Why is SLT reductionist
- explains basic things through cause and effect mechanisms
- explains all behaviour as a result of learning from others and ignores any biological explanations
Bandura Bobo doll (1961)- aim
-to study imitation of agressive models
Bandura Bobo doll (1961)- method
-36 boys and 36 girls with a mean age od 52 months
-matched pps design (children were matched on ratings of aggressive behaviour shown at their nursery school)
three conditions:
-CONDITION 1- children observed aggressive adult models playing with a Bobo doll e.g. hitting it
-CONDITION 2- children observed non aggressive models playing with other toys and ignoring the Bobo doll
-CONDITION 3- control condition where children had no exposure to the models
-children’s behaviour then observed for 20 mins, in a room containing agressive and non agressive toys
Bandura Bobo doll (1961)- results
- children exposed to aggressive models imitated a lot of their aggressive behaviour
- children in the non aggressive and control conditions showed barely any aggressive behaviour
- aggressive behaviour was slightly higher in control condition than in non aggressive condition
Bandura Bobo doll (1961)- conclusion
- aggressive behaviour learned through imitation of others behaving aggressibely
- imitation can be influenced by adult role models
Bandura Bobo doll (1961)- evaluation
- provides evidence of SLT
- strict control of variables so results likely to be reliable and the study can be replicted
- low ecological validity as pps not in natural situation
- difficult to generalise as limited sample size- children from same school
- study encourage aggression in children- ethical problem
Strengths of SLT
- takes throught processes into account and acknowledges the role that they play in deciding if a behaviour is to be imitated or not
- Bandura’s study shows that reinforcement is not needed for learning- we can learn by just observing
- behaviourism and SLT empashise learning as the cause of behaviour- nurture. This has implications for society
Weaknesses of SLT
- Bobo doll’s designed to be hit so this study might be a test of obediance rather than observational learning
- not a full explanation for all behaviour
- often difficult to conclude that observational learning has taken place- sometimes behaviours can be replicated a long time after they’ve been observed
