The Learning Approach - Social Learning, Bandura Flashcards
What does the social learning theory do?
It explains how behaviours can be learnt.
What are the key points about social learning theory?
- Modelling
- Imitation
- Identification
- Vicarious reinforcement
What is modelling?
Idea that an individual requires a model to carry out the behaviour, and the observer learns this behaviour.
What is imitation?
Behaviours are learnt via imitation.
Successful imitation includes the factors of:
- characteristics of model (age, gender)
- perceived ability to perform behaviour shown
- consequences of behaviour
What is identification?
The extent to which the observer relates to the model, and have the same outcomes.
Individual would aim to be like the model as much as possible.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Individuals observe the consequences of others to decide whether to imitate the behaviour.
What is meditational processes?
The observer forms a mental representation of the behaviour being displayed by the model and the likely consequences.
What does mediational processes involve?
Attention - observer must pay attention and notice the behaviour of the model
Retention - observer must remember the behaviour of the model
Motor reproduction- observer must be able to perform the behaviour
Motivation - observer must be willing to perform the behaviour
Evaluate the Social Learning Theory.
(+) Akers (1998) found criminals seems to engage in more criminal behaviour when exposed to a model they can identify with.
(+) Fox (2009) found suggestions that individuals were more likely to perform the same behaviour as a model that looked similar to them on a computer game.
(+) gives more comprehensive view of human learning compared to operant/classical. Recognises behavioural and cognitive factors.
(-) doesn’t account for cause and effect
(-) ignores other potential influences in behaviour
(-) environmental determinism, doesn’t consider genetics or innate responses
