Social Learning Theory

What is the main assumption of the social learning theory?

Learning is primarily through observation and imitation

What are the 7 key steps of the SLT?

• role model

• Identification

• Observe

• Mediational factors

• Vicarious reinforcement

• Imitation

• Direct reienforcement

What are the two types of role models?

Live models and symbolic models

What do the models do?

The models provide examples of behaviour that can be observed by the individual and later be repeated

What is identification?

The extent to which an individual relate to the models and feels like they are like themselves

What is the research that shows that children are more likely to identify with role models that are like themselves?

Shutts et al 2010

What are the 4 mediational processes?

• attention

• Retention

• Motivation

• Motor reproduction

What do mediational processes mean?

Before we copy your behaviour we think and decide about whether we should or not

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Where we learn via the consequences of someone else’s actions

What does vicarious reinforcement tell us about reward and punishment?

We are more likely to repeat a behaviour that we see rewarded

What are the key 3 factors of imitation?

• characteristics of the model (identification)

• Observeperceived ability to perform the behaviour

What is direct reinforcement?

Where a person learns via their own actions and consequences

What does direct reinforcement link to?

Operant conditioning link

What is the study that back up SLT?

Bobo doll studies 1961- Bandura

What was the procedure of the original Bobo doll studies?

24 children in each condition

1. Adult role model playing aggressively towards doll

2. Adult role model playing non-aggressively towards doll

3. Control group – didn’t see the bobo doll being interacted with

   The children were then placed in a room for 20 mins which included the Bobo doll and various toys

   Observations were made through a one-way mirror every five seconds of the child’s behaviour

What were the findings of the original bobo doll study?

Those who saw aggression acted more aggressively- also demonstrated new aggressive acts E.G using hammer and gun to hit the doll

What is the conclusion of the original Bobo doll study?

shows that aggressive behaviours can be learned by SLT

What was the procedure of the bobo doll follow-up study 1963?

All children saw the adult act aggressively towards the bobo doll and then were either:

1. Rewarded

2. Punished

3. Given no consequence

What were the findings of the follow-up bandura and Walters study?

When given own doll those who saw the model be rewarded were more likely to copy the aggressive behaviours

What was the conclusion of the follow-up Bandura and Walters study?

Good evidence of vicarious reinforcement

Evaluation- 1st advantage of SLT?

Understanding criminal behaviour- the principles of SLT have been used to help us understand many areas of behaviour like criminal behaviour. For example, Akers 1988 found that the probability of someone engaging in criminal behaviour increases when they identify with a criminal role model. This knowledge could help with early intervention strategies to give those who are exposed to such negative influences a more positive role model instead. Strategies used: age ratings on films, mentor scheme in schools. This matter matters because it demonstrates the utility of SLT in helping provide particularly younger people with good role models and the importance of good role models.

What is the second advantage of the SLT approach?

Research- there is also research evidence that support the concept of SLT. For example, Bandura et al found that children who were exposed to an aggressive role model were more likely to imitate and show aggressive behaviours themselves when playing with toys such as the bobo doll compared to those who were not exposed to an aggressive model. It matters because it highlight how behaviour could be explained in terms of SLT and validates the theory.

What is one criticism of the SLT approach?

Overlooks other factors- overlooks other factors for example, the biological theory which states that our behaviour is as a result of biological processes which also explains behaviour. SLT assumes that all behaviour has learned through observation of role models that we imitate. However, some psychologist would argue that some behaviour comes from our jeans and neuro anatomy. This matters because it shows that the SLT cannot offer a complete explanation of human behaviours other factors such as genes and neuro anatomy do need to be considered as well. Therefore, SLT is limited in its explanation.