Evaluation Points:'learning' approaches: SLT

List the evaluation approaches of SLT. (use SABU)

1. S supporting evidence

2. A accounts for cultural differences

3. B biological factors ignored/overlooked

4. U use of humans in research

Evaluate the supporting evidence of the SLT.

• Bandura’s experiment was completed in a controlled environment meaning that his experiment’s independent variables are easy to replicate and more data can be gathered to further validate his conclusions/theory.

Evaluate the fact that the SLT accounts for cultural differences .

• The !Kung tribe, located in SW Africa, have been studied and abnormally low levels of aggression were recorded.

• This is due to the tribe’s values not condoning physical punishment or intimidation.

• We can use the social learning theory to explain this: due to having positive role models to identify with, the observer only has positive behaviour to imitate and model, so aggression is low because it hasn’t been modelled. This adds credibility to the social learning theory.

Evaluate the fact that biological factors have been ignored in the SLT,

• Firstly, the SLT cannot explain gender differences found by Bandura during his experiment where male candidates were more frequently violent than their female counterparts despite the nature of their role model.

• Counter evidence has found that this is due to hormonal differences between sexes.

• This means that SLT cannot be a complete approach.

Evaluate the use of humans in Bandura’s research.

• Bandura’s theory is more widely applicable to humans than that of Pavlov or Skinners’ because he used humans to research rather than dogs, rats and pigeons which have major physiological differences.

• It also focusses on the role of cognitive mediation rather than external factors which was neglected by behaviourists.

• This means that the SLT is suggestive of free will over one’s behaviour. Ultimately, the individual has control over themselves and can only be influenced by social norms rather than being controlled by them.