The Learning approach - Social Learning Theory Flashcards
What is the social learning theory?
A way of explaining behaviour that includes direct and indirect reinforcement, combines learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
What is imitation?
Copying the behaviour of others
What is identification?
When the observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like them
What is modelling?
Imitating the behaviour of a role model you want to be like
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Reinforcement is not directly experienced, it occurs by observing someone else being informed for their behaviour
What are the 4 stages of the social learning theory?
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
When is imitation more likely to occur?
If the model is positively reinforced
If we identify with the model
What is SLT often described as?
The bridge between traditional learning theory and the cognitive theory because it focuses on how mental factors are involved in learning
Outline Bandura’s study (1961)
- Lab experiment
- American children
- 3 groups;
1- shown a model hitting a bobo doll with a hammer and shouting at it
2- model shown a non aggressive model
3- not shown a model - Then the children were placed in the room with the same toys
What are the results of Bandura’s study (1961)?
- Children who had observed the aggressive model were more aggressive than the other two groups
- No difference in verbal aggression between boys and girls
- Boys imitated more physically aggressive acts
Outline Bandura’s study (1963)
- in group 1, aggression was praised
- in group 2, aggression was punished
- in group 3, aggression had no consequences
What are the results of Bandura’s study (1963)?
Group 1 was the most aggressive (praise) followed by group 3 (no consequence) and then group 2 (punished)
What does SLT provide?
The most comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes on learning
What is the issue of using lab studies for Bandura’s studies?
- Demand characteristics
- doesn’t tell much about aggression in children in everyday life
- artificial behaviour due to unfamiliar conditions
Where does the SLT stand in terms of the influence of biological factors?
Little reference to it, not taken into account but could have been the explanation for differences in aggression between boys and girls
