Social Learning Theory AO3

Research support (+)

• Using 72 children, Bandura demonstrated the power of imitation with same sex role models. Some briefly saw an adult model attack a bobo doll with novel physical an verbal aggressive act

• After being mildly frustrated, the children were observed through a one-way mirror imitating those very specific acts. Children not exposed to an aggressive role model did not display such ‘vicarious’ learning

• This means we can be more confident this approach helps explain human behaviour

Applications (+)

• e.g. Bandura’s research into aggression triggered concern into the way violence is accessible on TV. In the UK, TV observes a watershed which means that programmes with violence, explicit content or obscene language are only shown after 9pm

• This aims to reduce the observation of poor behaviours by children which could lead to imitation of acts of aggression or inappropriate behaviours as parents will be unable to regulate TV content after this point

• The approach can be used to help researchers gain an understanding of how negative behaviours may be transmitted and use this knowledge to create positive change in society

Validity (-)

• Research into SLT does not accurately reflect real life

• e.g. In Bandura, none of the children actually got hurt, the aggressive display from the role model was highly scripted ans unrealistic

• Ultimately the behaviour can be seen as nothing more than rough and tumble play

• It is difficult to show cause and effect of role model behaviour in real life as extraneous variables are controlled

Environmental determinism (-)

• SLT claims that although the environment drives and shapes our behaviour it is not inevitable. It suggests we choose our role models and have some role in selecting when to attend and retain information

• This means the approach still offers an incomplete explanation of behaviour, neglecting proven factors in human behaviour such as biological factors