social learning theory ao3

strengths of social learning theory

• scientific evidence

• helps understand stereotypes

weaknesses of social learning theory

• ignores nature

strengh - scientific research evidence

• supported by well conducted evidence

• bandua = lab study (matched pairs on aggression levels, removes extraneous variable of pre existing aggression levels)

• bandura has been replicated (adult role model rewarded for behaviour, children more likely to imitate, didn’t imitate when role model was scolded)

• scientific evidence to support

strength - understand stereotypes

• explains how people learn behaviours/attitudes through observing/imitating

• people adopt gender typical behaviours by watching same sex role models in life and media

• led to development of sex role stereotypes, contributed to sexism. SLT informed policies like advertisment guidelines that reduce stereotypes

• promoted positive social change

weakness - ignores nature

• ignores biology

• bandura = boys more aggressive, higher testosterone

• castration reduces aggressive behaviour in male animals. aggression not entirely learnt

• incomplete explanation of behaviour