Social learning theory

How does SLT suggest learning occur

Both directly: through CC and OC

And indirectly: vicarious reinforcement

Stages of learning

Observer identifies with role model

Role model displays behaviour, observer imitates

Vicarious reinforcement

observer sees their role model being rewarded for displaying a certain behaviour. The observer is then motivated to imitate this behaviour, in an effort to receive the same reward.

Bridge betw

Behaviourist laernthing theoy + cognitive

What do mediational processes determine

Mental factors intervene to determine whether a new response is acquired

What are trh 4

Attention - extent to which we notice certain behaviours

Retention - how well we remember them

Motor reproduction - ability of observer to perform behaviour

Motivation - will to perform that behaviour

First 2 are about learning, last 2 is about performance

Identification

People imitate who they identify with (Role model)

Imitating role model = modelling

Supporting evidence

Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment.

> 3 groups, children observed aggro adult, calm adult and nothing (control)

>aggro adult group more likely to be aggro towards doll

Limitation

Bandura Lab studies - children demand characteristics, lack internal validity

Undersestimated biological differences as finding that boys more aggro than girls

Strengths

Real world application

• gives reason from cultural distances, as consquences that behaviour may be dependent on may be viewed differently in societies

Importance of coginitive factors through mediational processes, tf more comprehensive explanation of behaviour