the social learning theory

Question 1

social learning theory

Answer 1

• way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct + indirect reinforcement
• combines learning theory with cognitive factors

Question 2

key assumptions of the social learning theory

Answer 2

bandura proposed people can learn through observing and imitating others within a social context
- can occur directly through classical + operant conditioning but also indirectly

Question 3

vicarious reinforcement

Answer 3

• reinforcement not experienced directly - occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour

Question 4

why is the SLT theory described as a ‘bridge’

Answer 4

acts as the bridge between traditional learning theory and the cognitive approach

Question 5

what are mediational processes

Answer 5

cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response

Question 6

what 4 mediational processes did Bandura identify

Answer 6

attention, retention, motor reproduction + motivation

Question 7

outline attention as a mediational process

Answer 7

the extent to which we notice certain behaviours of others

Question 8

outline retention as a mediational process

Answer 8

how well we remember the behaviour

Question 9

outline motor reproduction as a mediational process

Answer 9

the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour

Question 10

outline motivation as a mediational process

Answer 10

the will to perform the behaviour, determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded/punished

Question 11

identification

Answer 11

• more likely to imitate behaviour of people we identify with - role models (this process = modelling)

Question 12

AO3 for the social learning theory

Answer 12

• comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising role of mediational processes
• over reliance on lab study evidence (Bobo dolls)
• underestimates biological influences

Question 13

bobo doll study

Answer 13

• children watched a clip of adult behaving aggressively towards a bobo doll
  first group shown adult rewarded for behaviour
  second group shown adult punished for behaviour
  3rd group saw adult aggression with no consequence
• when given their own bobo doll: 1st group most aggressive, then 3rd then 2nd