social learning theory

how is behaviour learned

through observation and imitation

what are the 4 mediational profeeses

• attention

• retention

• motor reproduction

• motivation

what is vicarious reinforcement

when an observer sees their role model being rewarded for a behaviour so are motivated to imitate the behaviour

what is identification

the process by which an observer relates to a model and aspires to become more like that model

model

a person with whom the observer identifies with

• usually attractive

• has higher status

• similar age and gender

describe banduras bobo doll study

• 72 children (36 boys and 36 girls) aged 3-6 years old

• children divided into 3 groups

• one group observed adult model behaving aggressively toward bobo doll

• another group observed a non-aggressive adult model

• third group served as a control and saw no model

• found that children who observed aggressive behaviour are more likely to imitate it

what are the strengths of social learning theory

• scientific (scientific research banduras study was in a lab which was controlled environment)

• practical applications

what are the limitations of social learning theory

• practical applications but not as widespread and effective

• soft deterministic

• reductionist (ignores role of biology eg influence of gender differences in banduras study )