SLT - Evaluation

2 strengths of SLT

Emphaises cogntive factors in learning

Less determinist than behaviourism

Strength of SLT - Emphasises importance of cognitive factors in learning

P: Emphasises importance of cognitive factors in learning

E: This approach says that humans store info about behaviour of others and use this to make judgements of when appropriate to perform certain actions

C: SLT provides more complete explanation of human behaviour by recognising mental processes

Strength of SLT - Less determinist than behaviourism

P: Less determinist than behaviourism

E: Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism

C: More realistic and flexible position than behaviourism by recognising role we play in shaping own environment

What is reciprocal determinism?

Our environment influences us but we also exert and influence on how behaviours are performed

How does SLT provide a more complete explanation of human learning than behaviourism?

Recognises mental processes

2 limitations of SLT

Relies too heavily on evidence from lab controlled studies

Underestimates biological factors

Limitation of SLT - Relies too heavily on evidence from controlled studies

P: Relies too heavily on evidence from controlled lab studies

E: Many of Bandura's ideas developed through observations in lab settings which raises demand characteristics

C: Research may tell us little of how children learn in everyday life

What issue does Bandura's lab controlled experiments cause?

Demand characteristics

Limitation of SLT - Underestimates biological factors influence

P: Underestimates biological factors influence in learning

E: Bobo doll study found boys show more aggression than girls explained by testosterone levels higher in boys

C: Bandura may have underplayed influence biological factors have on social learning

What factor of social learning is it argued that Bandura downplayed and why?

Biological factors

Boys showed higher levels of aggression possibly due to higher levels of testosterone