Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors

Imitation

Copying the behaviour of others

Identification

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model

Modelling

From the observers perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. From the role model’s perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.

Vicarious Reinforcement

* Reinforcement not directly experienced
* Occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour
* Key factor in imitation

Mediational Processes

Cognitive factors influence learning and come between stimulus and response. They are retention, attention, motivation and motor reproduction.

Bandura et al (1961)

* Recorded behaviour of children who watched an adult hit a Bobo doll with a hammer and shout abuse.


* When children later played with toys, they behaved more aggressively towards the Bobo doll than those that had observed non-aggressive adults.

Bandura and Walters (1963)

* Showed videos to children where an adult behaved aggressively towards the Bobo doll.
* The adult that was praised for their behaviour influenced children to behave more aggressively towards the bobo doll than the adult punished.

Strength - Cognitive Factors (AO3)

* Conditioning can’t offer an adequate account of learning on their own
* Humans and animals store information about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgements about when they should do certain actions


* SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning

Limitation - Lab Studies (AO3)

* Bandura’s ideas developed through observing young children in a lab
* Criticised as participants may respond to demand characteristics.
* Children may have struck Bobo doll because it’s made to strike it.

Strength - Real-World (AO3)

Able to explain cultural differences in behaviour as modelling, imitation and reinforcement can account for how children learn from others, including the media, which can establish cultural norms