Social learning theory AO3

What behaviour learnt by children from the media can SLT explain?

Violent, anti social behaviour

What are examples of violent behaviour in the media

James Bond using guns to kill evil characters

Violence in video games rewarded with in game currencies

How does SLT explain media’s negative impact on children’s behaviour?

Attention, retention: see role models that behave violently, remember how they behave

Motivation: character disrespecting parents in media may be rewarded with praise from friends

Why is the inclusion of mental processes in SLT a strength?

More comprehensive than classical and operant conditioning, can explain individual differences in learning

What real life application does SLT have?

Watersheds

Age certification for media consumption

What processes of SLT might be influenced by biological factors?

Mirror neurones can affect empathy thus identification with a model

What phenomenon is SLT limited in explaining?

Phobias

Some can be innate: people have phobias of snakes when they have never met them before, suggesting an evolutionary basis to help human survival

What biological related factor does SLT not consider in learning?

Biology might account for one’s learning potential

Different people have different ability in understanding others’ intentions

Why is SLT less deterministic than behaviourism?

Considers free will in choosing to perform a behaviour as well as external influences in contrast to only learning experiences shaping behaviour

Why is a less determinist view preferable

Why is a less deterministic view preferable?

More optimistic, realistic, flexible

What are problems with lab studies like Bandura’s in supporting SLT?

lack ecological validity

Demand characteristics: children only punch bobo doll because they thought they should do it as well since an adult is doing it