The Social Learning Theory

What is a strength?

A strength of SLT is that it is less deterministic than the behaviourist approach

Explain P1

Acknowledges that we can out think and association not simple stimulus response like behaviourist proposes.

Expand P1

instead, it proposes that we have mediational processes that help us decide how to respond to our environment

Link P1

this increase the validity of SLT as an explanation for human behaviour as it acknowledges other factors may influence behaviour

Counter P1

does not acknowledge biological factors that may influence behaviours e.g. genetics

Point P2

A limitation of SLT is that there is an over reliance from lab studies

Explain P2

SLT was developed based on Bandura bobo doll study a study involving children

Expand P2

the controlled and artificial setting = observed behaviour is unnatural and findings cannot be generalised to real world

Link P2

Theory lacks ecological validity as it is not representative of the real world

Counter P2

High levels of control of extraneous variables equals high reliability

Point P3

explains cultural differences

Explain P3

being able to explain culture differences in behaviour based on our experiences

Expand P3

likely to observe many cultural specific behaviours which are often celebrated therefore likely to replicate

Link P3

increases validity of explanation of behaviour

Counter P3

cannot explain cases when there is no apparent role model

E.g. a case of psychopathic behaviour in just one individual in the family