The social learning approach Flashcards
What is social learning theory?
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement
What does imitation mean?
Copying the behaviour of others
What does identification?
When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model
What does modelling mean?
From the observes perspective modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. From the role model’s perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.
What does vicarious reinforcement mean?
Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. This is a key factor in imitation.
What does mediational processes mean?
Cognitive factors (i.e thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response.
What are the assumptions of social learning theory?
Albert Bandura agreed with the behaviourists that most of our behaviour is learned from experience. However his social learning theory (SLT) proposed a different way in which people learn: through observation and imitation of others within social context, thus social learning. SLT suggested that learning occurs directly through classical and operant conditioning but also indirectly.
How vicarious reinforcement a part of the social learning theory?
For indirect learning to take place an individual observes the behaviour of others. The learner may imitate this behaviour but in general, imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished, i.e. vicarious reinforcement occurs. This the learner observes a behaviour but most importantly observes the consequences of a behaviour.
How the role of mediational process a part of the social learning theory?
SLT is often describes as the bridge between traditional learning theory (behaviours) and the cognitive approach because it focusses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning. These mental factors mediate (i.e. intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired. Four mental or mediational processes in learning were identified by Bandura:
- Attention- the extent to which we notice certain behaviours.
- Retention- how well the behaviour is remembered.
- Motor reproduction- the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
- Motivation the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished,
- The first two of these relate to the learning of behaviour and the last two relate to the performance of behaviour. Unlike traditional behaviourism, the learning and performance of behaviour need not occur together. Observed behaviour may be stored by the observer and reproduced at a later time.
How is identification a part if the social learning theory?
People (Especially children) are much more likely to imitate the behaviour of people with whom they identify, called role models. This process is called modelling. A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and/or are attractive and have high status. Role models may not necessarily be physically present in the environment, and this has important implications for the influence of the media on behaviour.
How is the importance of cognitive factors in learning a strength?
Neither classical nor operant conditioning can offer an adequate account of learning on their own. Humans and many animals store information about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgments about when it is appropriate to perform certain actions, as Bandura observed.
As such the SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes.
How is over reliance on evidence form lab studies a limitation?
Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed through observations of young children behaviour in lab settings. Lab studies are often criticised for their contrived nature where participants may respond to demand characteristics. It has been suggested, in relation to the Bobo doll research that, because the main purpose of the doll is to strike it, the children were simply behaving in a way that they though was expected.
Thus the research may tell us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday life.
How is underestimate the influence of biological factors a limitation?
Bandura makes little reference to the impact of biological factors on social learning. One consistent finding in the bobo doll experiments was that boys were often more aggressive than girls regardless of the specifics of the experimental situation. This may be explained by hormonal factors, such as differences in levels of testosterone, a hormone that is present in greater quantities in boys than girls and which is linked to increase aggressive behaviour. This means that this important influence on behaviour is not account for in SLT.
How is the social learning theory explain cultural differences in behaviour a strength?
Social learning theory has the advantage of being able to explain cultural differences in behaviour. Social learning principles can account for how children learn form other individuals around them, as well as through the media and this can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies. This has proved useful in understanding a range of behaviours, such as how children come to understand their gender roles.
How is the social learning theory being less determinist that the behaviours approach a strength?
Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism in the sense that were are not merely influenced by our external environment, but we also exert an influence upon I, through the behaviours we choose to perform. This element of choice suggests that there is some free will in the way we behave
