Social Learning Theory

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and findings related to Social Learning Theory and Bandura's research, providing a comprehensive review for exam preparation.

Social Learning Theory (SLT)

A theory proposed by Bandura that explains how people learn behaviors through the observation of role models and the influence of the environment.

What are the main principles of Social Learning Theory?

SLT proposes that learning occurs through observation, direct experience, and the interplay between individual behavior, cognitive processes, and environmental factors.

Mediational Processes

Cognitive processes in SLT that include Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation, which are essential for learning through observation.

Attention-Retention-Reproduction-Motivation (ARRM)

The four mediational processes in SLT that facilitate learning: noticing the behavior, remembering it, imitating it, and being motivated to perform it.

Vicarious Reinforcement

A type of reinforcement that occurs when an individual observes a role model being rewarded for a specific behavior, which can motivate imitation of that behavior.

Imitation

The act of copying the behavior of a role model, particularly when the observed behavior is frequent and identifiable.

Role Model

An individual who serves as an example for others, particularly children, in terms of behavior, attributes, or skills.

What factors can influence the likelihood of imitation in Social Learning Theory?

Imitation is influenced by observer characteristics (e.g., age, identification with model), model characteristics (e.g., status, similarity), and the observed consequences of the behavior (e.g., vicarious reinforcement).

Bandura's Bobo Doll Study

A 1961 study by Albert Bandura that investigated whether children would imitate aggressive behavior displayed by an adult role model.

Aggression Arousal Phase

A phase in Bandura's study where children were exposed to a situation that heightened their arousal or emotional state before observing the behavior of models.

Methodology of Bandura's Bobo Doll Study

In Bandura's 1961 study, children observed an adult model interacting with a Bobo doll. One group observed an aggressive model, another a non-aggressive model, and a control group observed no model. Children were then taken to a room with toys, including a Bobo doll, to observe their behavior.

Key Findings of Bandura's Bobo Doll Study

Children exposed to the aggressive model were significantly more likely to imitate the aggressive behaviors (punching, kicking, verbal aggression) towards the Bobo doll. Boys tended to imitate physical aggression more than girls, especially when the model was male. Girls showed more verbal aggression when exposed to a female aggressive model.

Strengths of SLT

SLT offers a holistic understanding of human learning by integrating cognitive processes with environmental and behavioral factors, distinguishing itself from simpler behavioral theories. It is less reductionist and deterministic, acknowledging human free will and thought, and has significant practical applications in areas like education, therapy (e.g., treating phobias), and behavioral modification programs such as token economies.

Limitations of SLT

It cannot fully explain behaviors that are frequently observed but not imitated, lacks ecological validity due to lab settings, and does not account for individual differences.