The Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Assumptions of the SLT

Answer 1

• We learn though observation and imitation

- The learning is indirect (in behaviourism its direct)

Question 2

What are the 3 main concepts of SLT?

Answer 2

Vicarious reinforcement

The role mediational processes

Identification: including modelling

Question 3

Explain vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

Where indirect learning takes place

When the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punched is when vicarious reinforcement occurs

The learner observes both the behaviour and its concequances

Question 4

Expain the role of mediational processes

Answer 4

Is the mental processes that take place to intervene on whether a new response is acquired

There are 4 steps identified by BANDURA:

1. Attention
2. Retention
3. Motor reproduction
4. Motivation

Question 5

What were the 4 streps identified by BANDURA in the mediational processes

Answer 5

1. Attention - do we noticed the behaviour
2. Retention - How well the behaviour is remembered
3. Motor Reproduction - The ability to preform the behaviour
4. Motivation - The will to preform the behaviour ( they can be stored and displayed later on aswell)

Question 6

Definition of identification in SLT?

Answer 6

Imitation the people that you indentify with

This is most likely going to be a role model - this is called modelling

These role models tend to have:

• similar characteristics
• High status
• Attractive

Question 7

Do the role models in SLT need to be physically present?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

Outline the procure of BANDURA research in 1961

Answer 8

Called the bobo doll experiment

Used 3-5 year olds who were frustrated before the study

They recorded the behaviour of children playing which a bobo doll who had previously watched a adult play with the doll aggressively and those that did not

The adults be abused in an unnatural but aggressive manner to the doll e.e hitting it with a hammer or throwing it in the air

Question 9

Outline the findings of BANDURA 1961

Answer 9

Children who were in the aggressive condition reproduced more aggressive behaviour and abuse towards the doll

In the non aggressive condition they behaved i an non aggressive manner

Question 10

P: The recognition of cognitive factors

S

Answer 10

E: neither the classical nor operant conditioning acknowledge the impact of mental processing and how we can store and make decisions on what behaviour is appropriate

E: TST SLT provides a more comprehensive and wholistic explanation to learning behaviours when compared to the behaviourist approach

Question 11

P: little reference to biological factors

W

Answer 11

E: He determined the learning was dependant on the environment alone. But recent observations have shown us thee involvement of motor neurone in the imitation of others

E: TST bio factors does play a larger role than what SLT claims. Decreasing the value of the approach

Question 12

P: Contrived lab studies

Answer 12

E: the observation were conducted in a lab where the ppts could respond to demand characteristics. Even in the bobo doll experiment the children though the objective was to strike and hit the doll

E: TST the study and others like it doesn not tell us about peoples behaviour
This decreases the validity of the approach

Question 13

P: RWA

S

Answer 13

E: Useful in explaining the the cultural differences in behaviour. SLT’s principles explain how children learn form what around them + explains how cultures norms are transmitted

E: This makes it useful in understanding things like gender roles. I resign the value of the approach as it can be applied to the real world