Social Learning Theory

What is Social Learning Theory (SLT)?

A theory, developed by Albert Bandura, that proposes individuals learn behaviors by observing others, imitating them, and experiencing the consequences of those behaviors

What does SLT propose about behaviour?

Behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of others within a social context.

What is vicarious reinforcement?

When behaviour is reinforced by observing someone else being rewarded or punished.

How does vicarious reinforcement affect imitation?

Behaviour is more likely to be imitated if the observer sees the model being rewarded.

What cognitive factors does SLT recognise?

Internal mental processes such as attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation (A.R.R.M).

What are the four mediational processes in SLT?

Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation.

What is 'attention' in SLT?

The extent to which we notice certain behaviours.

What is 'retention' in SLT?

How well the behaviour is remembered.

What is 'reproduction' in SLT?

The ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.

What is 'motivation' in SLT?

The will to perform the behaviour, often determined by whether it was rewarded or punished.

What is identification in SLT?

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like them.

Who are we more likely to identify with?

People who are similar to us, such as same sex, similar age, or those with high status.

What is imitation in SLT?

Copying the behaviour of a role model.

What makes imitation more likely?

If the observer identifies with the model and the behaviour is seen as rewarding.

Describe Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment (1961).

Children watched an adult behave aggressively towards a Bobo doll; later, they imitated this behaviour when given the opportunity.

What did Bandura find in the Bobo doll study?

Children who saw the aggressive model were more likely to act aggressively towards the Bobo doll.

How did vicarious reinforcement appear in Bandura’s research?

Children who saw the model rewarded for aggression were more likely to imitate the behaviour.

What is one strength of SLT related to research support?

Bandura’s studies provide empirical evidence showing the importance of observation and imitation.

What is one strength of SLT related to cognitive factors?

Recognises internal mental processes, giving a more complete explanation than behaviourism alone.

What is one limitation of SLT related to lab research?

Research often uses lab studies (e.g., Bobo doll), which may produce demand characteristics and lack ecological validity.

What is one limitation of SLT related to biology?

Underestimates the influence of biological factors, such as testosterone levels in aggression.