The Social Learning Theory (AO1) Flashcards
key ideas?
(4)
- agrees all behaviour is learned from experience
- proposes we also learn through observation + imitation of others
- builds on ideas of the behaviourist approach incl. cognitive factors
- learning occurs directly (cc + oc) but also indirectly (vicarious reinforement)
person?
(2)
Bandura (B.1925)
- canadian-american psychologist
- SLT = bridge between behaviourist + cognitive
Modelling?
(3)
- people are more likely to imitate behaviour of those they identify with (role models)
- could be someone attractive, of higher status, or with similar characteristics
- may not be physically present (in the media)
Vicarious reinforcement?
(3)
- observing other ppl’s behaviour + the consequences of that behaviour
- if a behaviour is rewarded (reinforced) it’s much more likely to be copied than behaviour that is punished
- e.g. child being rewarded for sitting still
The 4 mediational processes? (whether a new response is required/ learnt from observation)
(4)
- 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 (determined by if the behaviour was rewarded or punished)
Bandura’s bobo doll?
(3+)
Aim:
to investigate if social behaviours (agression) can be acquired from observation + imitation
Method:
36 boys + 36 girls from Stanford Uni Nursery School - 24 aggressive rm, 24 non-a rm, 24 no rm
- a condition = adults attacked bobo doll, shouted, used hammer, threw it etc.
- non-a condition = adults played in a quiet/subdued manner + ignored doll
Results:
- children who observed a rm were more a than other 2
- boys more likely to imitate same-sex rm
- boys more physically aggressive than girls
- girls more verbal a if female rm + more physical a if male rm
- findings support SLT
