Unit3.6Key Concepts in Social Learning Theory

What is Social Learning or Observational Learning?

Learning based on observable behaviors of others and the consequences of those behaviors; also known as vicarious learning.

What are the four conditions for modeling according to Albert Bandura?

1. The learner must pay attention to the behavior. 2. The learner must have retention of the observed behavior. 3. Motivation to produce behavior. 4. The learner must be able to produce the observed behavior.

What is Reciprocal Determinism?

The concept that behavior is shaped by the environment and also shapes the environment, influenced by personal factors.

Provide an example of Reciprocal Determinism.

A shy student avoids class participation (behavior), leading to less social interaction (environment), which reinforces their shyness (personal factor).

What is Self-Efficacy?

A person's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

How does high self-efficacy affect behavior?

It leads to more effort, persistence, and resilience.

What is the Marshmallow Test?

A delay of gratification experiment where children chose between one marshmallow now or two if they could wait.

What does the Marshmallow Test measure?

Impulse control and self-regulation.

What were the findings of follow-up studies from the Marshmallow Test?

Children who delayed gratification tended to have better life outcomes in academic and social areas.

What is Delay of Gratification?

The ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward.

How is Delay of Gratification linked to success?

It is associated with self-control, executive function, and long-term success.

Provide an example of Delay of Gratification.

Choosing to study instead of watching TV to improve test performance.

What is Insight Learning?

A sudden realization or 'aha!' moment when solving a problem without trial and error.

Provide an example of Insight Learning.

Stuck on a puzzle, taking a break, and then suddenly realizing the solution.

What is a Cognitive Map?

A mental representation of the layout of one's environment.

Who studied Cognitive Maps and with what subjects?

Edward Tolman studied Cognitive Maps using rats in mazes.

What did Tolman's experiments with rats demonstrate about Cognitive Maps?

Rats formed a mental map of the maze even without rewards.

Provide an example of using a Cognitive Map.

Walking through your house in the dark because you've memorized the layout.

What is Latent Learning?

Learning that occurs without obvious reinforcement and remains hidden until needed.

Provide an example of Latent Learning.

Learning how to get to a classroom just by following a friend, but not using that knowledge until you have to go there alone.

What is the role of Social and Emotional Learning?

It helps develop empathy and conflict resolution.

Neuromodulators

Chemicals that regulate and influence the activity of neurons, often over a wide area of the brain. Unlike neurotransmitters (which are fast-acting and target specific synapses), neuromodulators affect groups of neurons more diffusely.

Long-term potentiation (LTP)

A long-lasting strengthening of synapses between neurons after repeated stimulation. It’s considered one of the biological bases for learning and memory. Example: Studying the same flashcards repeatedly helps your brain retain the info better due to LTP.