learning approach: social learning theory

How does social learning theory say we learn?

by observing and imitating others in a social context.

What is direct learning?

learning through classical and operant conditioning

What is indirect learning?

by watching others

What is vicarious reinforcement?

learn by observing others being rewarded or punished. if someone is rewarded, we are more likely to copy them. if someone is punished, we are less likely to imitate that behaviour.

What are mediational factors?

processes which occur inbetween observing the behaviour and imitating it.

What are the mediational processes?

1. attention

2. retention

3. reproduction

4. motivation

Attention 

the extent to which we notice behaviours 

retention

how well the behaviour is remembered

motor reproduction

the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour

motivation

the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour is remembered 

What is a role model (in SLT)?

someone who is observed/admired

What makes someone more likely to be imitated?

If they are similar, attractive, high-status, or rewarded.

What was the aim of Bandura’s Bobo Doll experiment (1961)?

To see if children would imitate aggressive behaviour observed in adults.

What did Bandura find?

• Children who saw an aggressive model were more likely to behave aggressively.

• Boys were more aggressive than girls.

• Same-sex models were more likely to be imitated.

strengths of SLT:

• uses controlled lab experiments, like Bandura's, for reliable results.

• includes cognitive factors, like attention and motivation, not just stimulus-response.

limitations of SLT:

• Bobo doll experiment - lacks ecological validity – hitting a doll isn’t the same as real aggression.

• underestimates the role of biology, like testosterone in aggression.

• cause and effect - Observing behaviour doesn’t prove imitation – children may act aggressively for other reasons.