Social Learning Theory

Assumption(s) of SLT

Learning can occur indirectly through observation & imitation of others

• Imitation occurs via indirect learning especially if others appear to be rewarded for their behaviour

Reinforcement could serve as informative function ; observe diff consequences of own & others actions

Modelling

Observer imitates behaviour of a role model

• Learn particular behaviour by observing role model performing such behaviour

• Symbolic model → Someone portrayed in media

Imitation

Action of using someone or something as a role model and copying their behaviour

• Individual learns indirectly

• When model provided, whole patterns of behaviour can be rapidly acquired

Identification

Refers to extent individual associates themselves w. role model (relates to model)

• They must be similar enough so would likely experience same outcomes in that situation

• Identification w. model means individual more likely to imitate behaviour

• Itself is a form of influence where individual adopts behaviour as they want to be associated with certain person/group

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning via observing someone else being reinforced for that behaviour

• Individuals learn about likely consequences of action, will adjust their behaviour accordingly

• Indirect Learning

  • People can observe consequences experienced by model, then judge likelihood of experiencing the outcomes themselves

Mediational Processes

1. Attention (extent to which we notice certain behaviours)

2. Retention (how well behaviour is remembered)

3. Motor Reproduction (ability of observer to perform behaviour)

4. Motivation (Will to perform behaviour - punish/reward?)

Bandura 1961: AIM

To investigate if social behaviours can be acquired by observation & imitation

Bandura 1961: PROCEDURE

• Half kids exposed to adult models aggressively (physical + verbal) interacting w. life-sized bobo doll, other half had non-aggressive models

  • Matched pairs design

• Kids then taken to room where amongst other toys, a Bobo doll was there

Bandura 1961: FINDINGS

• 1/3 kids who observed aggressive model repeated model’s verbal response

  • Overall a great deal reproduced behaviour resembling aggressive model

• Kids who observed non-aggressive model had no aggression to Bobo doll

Bandura 1961: CONCLUSION

• Kids imitate aggressive behaviour of adults especially if they’re rewarded after, or if model is same gender

• Kids can learn social behaviour via process of observational learning by watching behaviour of another person

AD1: Robust Evidence

P: Bandura used controlled lab experiment - standardised

Ev: Used matched pairs design, ensured environmental control

Ex: This means that the study could be replicated easily so the results could be checked for consistency

L: Therefore, the study has good reliability as well as high internal validity

AD2: Research Support for Identification

P: Observing similar model to self should lead to more learning than observing dissimilar model

Ev: Researchers used computer generated virtual humans engaging in exercise or loitering. Models looked similar or not to individual pps.

Ex: Pps that viewed their models exercising engaged in more exercise for 24 following hours, than those who viewed theirs loitering or dissimilar model exercising

L: Shows greater identification w. model leads to more learning as it’s easier to visualise self in place of model, observer feels they’re having same experience.

DIS1: Problem with establishing causality

P: Limitation is how SLT claims increased associations w. deviant peers increases likelihood individual adopts same values & behaviours

Ev: S & MC suggest young people who possess deviant attitudes & values will seek peers w. similar attitudes & behaviours as they’re more fun to be with than less reckless counterparts

Ex: Cause of delinquency may not be SLT as result of exposure to deviant role models, but possession of deviant attitudes prior to contact w. deviant peers.

L: Reduces validity of SLT

DIS2: Short term; Lacks Ecological Validity

P: Limitation is Bandura’s study demonstrated short term social learning only. Study conducted in controlled lab conditions

Ev: Aggression wasn’t imitated weeks or months after observation.

Ex: Lab conditions don’t reflect how aggression is observed + learnt in real contexts. Raises concerns about SLT’s applicability to real life

L: Therefore, inability of study to reflect how aggression is learned in real social settings means it lacks ecological validity