Social Learning Theory (A03)

Strength-point

Less deterministic than original behaviourist approach

Strength-explain

Acknowledges we can “outthink” an association, behaviour is not S-R association (suggested by behaviourist)

Strength- expand

We have mediation processes, help us decide how to respond in the environment e.g. attention retention

Strength-link

Increases validity, acknowledges other factors that may influence behaviours, when explaining human behaviours

Strength-counter

No acknowledgement biological factors, that may influence behaviour, genetics link to more aggressive behaviours (high testosterone in boys)

Limitation-point

Over-reliance of evidence from lab studies

Limitation- explain

Developed on Bandura’s experiment- a lab study on children

Limitation- example

People may argue that setting unnatural, observed behaviours unnatural findings cannot be generalised to real world

Limitation-link

Lack ecological validity, not representative real world

Limitation- counter

High levels control of extraneous variable, high reliability