The Learning Approach: Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Who proposed the social learning theory?
Albert Bandura
Why did Albert Bandura propose the social learning theory?
Albert Bandura proposed the social learning theory as a different way for people to learn
What did Albert Bandura suggest about peoples’ learning behaviours?
Albert Bandura suggested people observe and imitate othrs within a social context
What does the social learning theory suggest about learning?
The social learning theory suggests learning occurs directly and also indirectly, the direct learning which is done through operant and classical conditioning
Outline the social learning theory:
The social learning theory states we learn through experience. Additionally that people learn from the actions and behaviours of others around us
How does indirect learning take place?
Indirect learning takes places when an individual observes the behaviour of others
Once a person has observed behaviour, what do they do next?
Normally after the individual observes the behaviour, they begin to imitate
Generally, when is a behaviour imitated?
Generally a behaviour is imitated when the behaviour is seen ti be rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished
When the individual observes behaviour and sees the behaviour rewarded rather than punished, what is this referred to as?
Vicarious reinforcement
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Vicarious reinforcement is reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour
What is vicarious reinforcement a key factor of?
Vicarious reinforcement is a key factor of imitation
Why is the social learning theory described as a bridge between the learning theory and cognitive approach?
The social learning theory is described as a bridge between the traditional learning theory and the cognitive approach because there is a focus on how mental factors are involved in learning
Before the act of imitation occurs, what happens and what is this process referred to as?
Before the act of imitation occurs, there is some inward dialogue internally.
This process is referred to as the mediational process
How many mental/mediational processes did Bandura identify in learning?
Bandura identified four mediational processes
What were the four mediational processes identified by Bandura in learning?
1) Attention
2) Retention
3) Motor reproduction
4) Motivation
What is the attention stage of the mediational process
The attention stage occurs first where the person first notices a particular behaviour before it can be copied
What is the retention stage of the mediational process?
The retention stage is when the behaviour is stored into memory
What is the motor reproductive stage of the mediational process?
The motor reproduction stage refers to the physical ability of the individual to carry out the behaviour observed
What is the motivation stage of the mediational process?
The motivation stage is when the rewards and costs associated with the imitation of the behaviour are considered
What do the first two stages of the mediational process relate to, compared to the last two stages of the mediational processes?
The first two stages (attention + retention) relate to the learning of behaviours, the last two stages (motor reproduction + motivation) relate to the performance of the behaviour
What makes people more likely to imitate behaviours?
People are more likely to imitate behaviours of people, they identify with, called “role models”
What does the process of modelling refer to?
Modelling refers to people who are more likely to imitate the behaviour of a person, when they identify with the person
How will someone become a role model?
Someone becomes a role model if they are seen to have similar characteristics to the observer or are attractive/high status
What is a limitation of the social learning theory? (underestimates the influence of biological factors)
The social learning theory underestimates the influence of biological factors. There is little reference to the impact of biological factors on social learning. Consistently findings have found that boys are more aggressive than girls, which can be explained by hormonal factors. This means that the lack of emphasis of biological factors on behaviour reduces the validity of the social learning theory
What is a strength of the social learning theory? (explains cultural differences in behaviour)
The social learning theory explains cultural differences in behaviour. The theory accounts for how children learn from other individuals around them and explains how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies
What is a limitation of the social learning theory? (neglect of biological factors)
This theory neglects biological factors and their role in behaviour. It does not adequately address biological factors, which can also impact behaviour. This shows that the social learning theory does not provide a full explanation for all behaviour, especially when there is no role model in a person’s life to imitate a given behaviour
What is a strength of the social learning theory? (overemphasis on ebahviour)
There is an overstatement on the role of observational learning while undervaluing other forms of learning. For the social learning theory to describe behaviour solely in terms of either nature or nurture is limiting, attempting to do this underestimates the complexity of human behaviour. Additionally observational learning does not occur in isolation, as there are many factors that influence what is learned, how it is interpreted and whether/when it’ll be acted upon
