Unit 2 AC 2.2 & 3.2

Question 1

What was banduras theory

Answer 1

Social learning theory (Bobo doll experiment)

Question 2

who else supported the social learning theory

Answer 2

sunderland et al (1947)

Question 3

what years was banduras bobo doll experiment

Answer 3

1963

Question 4

what is social learning theorys key points

Answer 4

Behaviour is learned in social contexts (situations)
Through observation of the behaviour of others
By observing the rewards or punishments received for that behaviour

Question 5

what was banduras bobo doll experiment 1 1963

Answer 5

Children exposed to 2 different adult role models: 1 adult behaved aggressively towards a Bobo Doll; the other did not.

Question 6

conclusions from bobo doll experiment 1

Answer 6

This study shows that aggressive behaviour is learnt when

A. We pay attention to role models; &

B. We imitate their behaviour.

Question 7

what was banduars bobo doll experiment 2 1965

Answer 7

3 groups
A - aggression rewarded
B - aggression punished
C - no consequences (control)

Question 8

findings from bobo doll experiment 2 1965

Answer 8

When allowed to enter the playroom, more children in the reward and control conditions (A & C) imitated aggressive actions of the role model than those in the punishment condition (B).

Question 9

what makes someone more likely to be a role model

Answer 9

Have similar characteristics as the person observing the behaviour.
Are attractive.
Have a higher social status

Question 10

conclusions from bobodoll experiment (negative r)

Answer 10

children in b had learned aggression though obervational learning but did not imitate it due to negative reinforcement.

Question 11

what is vicarious reinforcement

Answer 11

Reinforcement of behaviour gained by watching another person being rewarded or punished = vicarious reinforcement.

Question 12

strengths of bobodoll experiment (6)

Answer 12

1. Replicable experiment.
2. Studies in support, including Bandura’s second experiment (1963).
3. Lab experiment so variables controlled, giving this greater reliability. Uses scientific methods
4. This means that SLT demonstrates a cause and effect between observational learning from role models and later criminal behaviour.
5. Real-life application – SLT explains real-life problems, such as why some individuals might commit crime.
6. Recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning

Question 13

weaknesses of bobdoll experiment (6)

Answer 13

. Lacks ecological validity – artificial environment.

2. Short-term study with no long-term effects discovered.
3. Ethical issues. - exposing kids to violence
4. Ignores possible influence of other factors on behaviour, e.g. cognitive functions, social class
5. Too much reliance on evidence from lab studies – might produce demand characteristics
6. Underestimates the role of biological factors in learning