The SLT Approach Flashcards
What are the 3 SLT approach assumptions?
- Much of our behaviour is learnt through experience.
- Learning occurs directly and indirectly.
- People learn through observation and imitation.
What is SLT?
All behaviour is leant through experience (similar to CC and OC) but also through observation and imitation.
What is imitation?
Observing behaviour from a role model and copying it.
What is identification?
Observer associates themselves with the role model because they have similar characteristics/ attractive/ higher status.
What is modelling?
Observer copying the role models behaviour OR the role model demonstrating the behaviour.
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced (positively or negatively) for their behaviour. Key factor in imitation.
What is a mediational process?
A cognitive factor that influences learning and come between stimulus and response.
What are the 4 mediational processes? What do they all mean?
Attention = Noticing the behaviour.
Retention = Remembering the behaviour.
Motor reproduction = Physically performing the behaviour.
Motivation = Wanting to perform behaviour (rewards outweigh costs).
What do the first two (1= attention and retention) and the last two (2= motor reproduction and motivation) relate to?
- Learning of behaviour
- Performance of behaviour
Procedure of Bandura et al (1961)?
36 boys and 36 girls between 3 and 6 years old. Three conditions: aggressive model shown to 24 children, non-aggressive model (24) and no model shown (24). After witnessing behaviour, taken away to a different room for “aggression arousal” (couldn’t play with any of the toys). Then took to a room with a range of toys. E.g., Bobo doll, dart gun, mallet, crayons, dolls. Observed for 20 min and rated for extent they imitated behaviour.
Results of Bandura et al’s experiment? (1961)
Found children who had observed aggressive behaviour acted more aggressively when observed. Boys also acted more aggressively than girls. There was also a greater level of imitation of behaviour if the tole model was the same gender as the child (identification).
What was the conclusion for Bandura et al’s research (1961)?
Supports SLT as children did observe and directly imitate the behaviours.
Evaluation of Bandura?
- Demand characteristics.
- Artificial environment/ mundane realism.
- Real life applications e.g., TV violence and James Bulger
- Is it really ethical?
Evaluation- Strengths of SLT?
- Takes thought processes into account (whether they want to imitate or not). Provides a more comprehensive explanation learning by recognising mediational processes.
- Can successfully explain the imitation of certain behaviours e.g., smoking and aggression.
- Can explain cultural differences in behaviour e.g., !Kung San tribe and aggression.
Evaluation- Limitations of SLT.
- Not a full explanation of behaviour (some people do not have role models to imitate). Also, some cases (psychopathic behaviour) are usually individual cases.
- Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed with young children in labs. Often criticised for artificial nature where demand characteristics may play a role.
- Ignores biological factors. E.g., boys were more aggressive due to hormonal factors.
- Can explain outward behaviour e.g., smoking and fighting but not learning of abstract notions e.g., fairness and judgement that cannot be observed directly.
