Social learning theory

Outline Social Learning Theory.

• Proposed by Albert Bandura

• Behaviour is learned through observing others (models) in a social context

• Learning occurs via experience, but not just conditioning

• Models can be:

  • Live models (real people)

  • Symbolic models (TV characters, celebrities)

• Combines behaviourist + cognitive approach

Define imitation, identification, modelling, and vicarious reinforcement.

• Imitation: Copying behaviour observed in a model

• Identification: When observer relates to model (e.g. same age/gender/status), increasing imitation likelihood

• Modelling: Demonstration of behaviour by a role model

• Vicarious reinforcement: Learning through observing rewards/punishments given to others

What are mediational processes in SLT?

Internal cognitive processes that occur between observation and behaviour:

• Attention: noticing the behaviour and its consequences

• Retention: storing the behaviour in long-term memory

• Reproduction: having the ability to perform the behaviour

• Motivation: expectation of reward (often via vicarious reinforcement)

These explain why learning is selective and not immediate.

How does reinforcement influence imitation in SLT?

• Behaviour is more likely if the model is rewarded (vicarious reinforcement)

• Less likely if the model is punished (vicarious punishment)

• Reinforcement affects performance rather than learning itself

What is the difference between learning and performance?

• Learning: internal process; behaviour may be stored

• Performance: observable behaviour

• SLT argues behaviour can be delayed, unlike behaviourism which assumes immediate response

Outline the method of the Bobo doll study.

• Lab experiment with 72 children (3–6 years)

• Matched for baseline aggression

• Three conditions:

  • Aggressive model

  • Non-aggressive model

  • No model (control)

• Children were frustrated, then observed interacting with toys including a Bobo doll

What were the findings?

• Aggressive model group showed highest levels of aggression

• Children imitated specific behaviours (e.g. hitting with hammer)

• Boys showed more physical aggression than girls

• Verbal aggression showed no gender difference

Supports the idea that behaviour is learned through observation and imitation.

What did the 1963 variation show?

• Same aggressive model, but consequences differed:

  • Rewarded → highest imitation

  • No consequence → moderate imitation

  • Punished → lowest imitation

Demonstrates importance of vicarious reinforcement in determining performance.

What are applications of SLT?

• Explains media influence on behaviour, especially aggression

• Suggests behaviour can be learned without direct experience

• Referenced in cases such as the Murder of James Bulger, though this is debated

What are strengths of SLT?

• Supported by controlled research (Bandura studies)

• Includes cognitive processes, making it more complete than behaviourism

• Can explain cultural differences (behaviour depends on available models)

What are limitations of SLT?

• Lab setting → low ecological validity

• Possible demand characteristics (children may copy expected behaviour)

• Ignores biological influences (e.g. testosterone in aggression)

• Limited generalisability due to young sample

• Behaviour towards a doll may not reflect real aggression

• Does not fully explain gender differences or role of free will