Social learning theory

assumptions of social learning theory

• people learn through observation and imitation of others

• If we observe positive outcomes of in observed behaviour, were more likely to imitate that behaviour

What is vicarious reinforcement

Learning through observation of consequences of actions for other people

What is the social learning theory

way of explaining behaviour that includes direct and indirect reinforcement

What is modelling

• direct imitation of behaviour of a role model

• from role models perspective- modelling is demonstrating behaviour precisely for other to imitate the behaviour

Describe the 4 mediational processes

• Attention- extent to which we notice behaviours

• Retention- how well behaviour is remembered

• motor production- ability of observer to perform behaviour

• Motivation- will to perform behaviour which is determined if behaviour was rewarded or punished

what are the mental processes

cognitive factors that influence learning come between stimulus and response

what is identification

• People are more likely to imitate someone who they identify with

• Who they identify with is the role model

• Person becomes a role model if they posses similar characteristics to observer or a high status

What was banduras belief on learning

• Agreed human learning revolves around out experience (direct learning)

• Argued people observe role models and consequences of their actions (indirect learning)

What was Banduras bobo doll experiment

• Children tested individually and went to through 3 rooms

• Aggressive condition- children watches adult play with toys and then aggressive to bobo doll

• Non aggressive condition- children watched adult play with toys but not bobo doll

• Children then in a room by themselves to see how they would act

Results of Banduras bobo doll experiment

• Boys more physically aggressive than girls

• Children in aggressive model condition were more aggressive than those in non aggressive condition

Criticism of Social Learning Theory- Lab studies

Evidence on what it was based on was using lab studies

• Banduras ideas developed through observation of children in lab

• Lab studies criticised for nature of demand characteristics

• Main purpose of bobo doll research was to hit it, so children hit it as they thought that was expected

• Suggests research tells us little about how children actually learn aggression

Strength of Social Learning Theory- Real world application

• SLT can help explain cultural differences in behaviour

• STL principles like imitation can account how children learn from others, including the media. Helps explain how cultural norm are spread through society

• Proved useful in understanding behaviours like children understanding their gender role

• Increases value of approach- accounts for real world behaviour

Strength of Social Learning Theory- Cognitive factors

It recognises importance of cognitive factors in learning

• Humans and animals store info about behaviour of others and use it to make judgment for when it’s appropriate to do certain actions

• Suggests SLT gives a more detailed explanation of learning by recognising role of mediational processes

Counterpoint of strength of cognitive factors in SLT- Biological Influences

• Criticised for making little reference to influence of biological factors on learning

• Banduras thought learning was determined by the environment

• Research shows observational learning is result of mirror neurons in brain allowing us to imitate others

• Suggests biological influences on SLT were underemphasised