Social Learning Theory: Key Concepts, Experiments, and Applications in Psychology

Who is the key figure associated with Social Learning Theory?

Albert Bandura

What is the main premise of Social Learning Theory (SLT)?

Behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of others.

What type of reinforcement does SLT include?

Both direct and indirect reinforcement.

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Reinforcement that is not directly experienced but observed in others.

What are the four mediational processes in SLT?

Attention, Retention, Motivation, Motor Reproduction.

What does 'Attention' refer to in the context of SLT?

The extent to which we notice certain behaviours.

What does 'Retention' mean in SLT?

How well the behaviour is remembered.

What is 'Motor Reproduction' in SLT?

The ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.

What is the significance of role models in SLT?

People are more likely to imitate those they identify with, called role models.

What was the aim of the Bobo Doll Experiment?

To investigate whether social behaviours like aggression can be learned through observation and imitation.

Describe the method used in the Bobo Doll Experiment.

Pre-school children were divided into groups shown different interactions with a Bobo Doll.

What were the results of the Bobo Doll Experiment?

Children in the aggressive group were more likely to imitate observed aggression.

What conclusion was drawn from the Bobo Doll Experiment?

Children learn behaviours through observation, imitation, and modelling.

What is a limitation of the Bobo Doll Experiment regarding ecological validity?

It was a laboratory experiment, which may not reflect real-world behaviour.

What is reciprocal determinism in SLT?

The idea that individuals influence their own behaviour as well as being influenced by their environment.

What is the 'wannabe effect' in relation to SLT?

The influence of media on social learning, where individuals identify with attractive or similar characters.

What criticism is often directed at SLT regarding biological factors?

SLT is criticized for underemphasizing the role of biological factors in learning.

How do mirror neurons relate to observational learning?

They may allow us to empathize with and imitate others.

What does 'modelling' refer to in SLT?

Imitating the behaviour of a role model.

What implications does SLT have for understanding cultural differences?

It helps explain how children learn behaviours from their surroundings and media.

What are demand characteristics in the context of Bandura's research?

Participants may behave in a way they think is expected due to the experimental setting.

What is the role of cognitive factors in SLT?

They provide a more comprehensive account of human learning by recognizing mediational processes.

What is one of the criticisms regarding the experimental nature of Bandura's studies?

They may not accurately reflect how children learn aggression in everyday life.

What does SLT suggest about the relationship between environment and learning?

Learning is influenced by the environment, but individuals also exert influence through their choices.

What is the significance of identifying with role models in SLT?

It increases the likelihood of imitation of behaviours.

What did Bandura's research reveal about same-sex models?

Children are influenced more by same-sex models in their behaviour.