The social learning theory

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the social learning theory?

Answer 1

• Bandura agreed with behaviourists but the SLT proposed we also learn through imitation and observation.
• It also occurs indirectly through vicarious reinforcement and directly through operant and classical conditioning

Question 2

Define vicarious reinforcement.

Answer 2

• It is a type of indirect reinforcement which occurs when an observer sees an role model getting rewarded for displaying a certain behaviour
• This motivates them to imitate this behaviour to receive the same treatment

Question 3

What is the mediational process

Answer 3

Cognitive processes which intervene between stimulus and response

Question 4

What are the four mediational processes

Answer 4

A - Attention
R - Retention
M - Motor production
M - Motivation

Question 5

Explain each mediational process

Answer 5

Attention = how much we observe and notice a behaviour
Retention = how well we remember the behaviour
Motor = The ability of the observer to replicate the behaviour
Motivation = the will to perform the behaviour, often depends on the type of reinforcement it produces

Question 6

Define a role model

Answer 6

A person an observer identifies with. They are often of high status, attractive and of a similar age or gender to the observer

Question 7

Define identification

Answer 7

The process where an observer associates themselves with a role model and aspires to become more like them

Question 8

Define modelling in terms of an observer

Answer 8

Imitating a behaviour displayed by a role model

Question 9

Define modelling in terms of a role model

Answer 9

Displaying a behaviour that is imitated by an observer

Question 10

What are two strengths of SLT

Answer 10

• one strength is that it recognises the cognitive factors in learning. The behavioural approach ignore the cognitive aspects of humans and how this affects their behaviour. This shows that slt is a more comprehensive explanation
• Real world applications, SLT can help explain cultural differences in behaviour and explain social norms such as gender roles.

Question 11

What is a weakness of SLT?

Answer 11

• Banduras evidence took place in a lab setting and therefore the participants could be responding to demand characteristics. The children could have been striking the bobo doll as they assumed thats what they were expected to do

Question 12

What was banduras research

Answer 12

• Bandura and walters divided children into 3 groups and had them watch a video of an adult being aggressive towards a bobo doll
• one group saw the adult praised, one saw the adult punished and the control group saw no consquence
• the first group showed more aggression than the other groups when playing with the bobo doll