Social learning theory : Approaches

Outline the three assumptions of the social learning theory approach.

- behaviour is learned through experience.

-People learn through imitation of others in a social context.

-Learning occurs directly, though classical and operant conditioning,

What is social learning theory?

A way of explaining behaviour through role models that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.

Define imitation.

Copying others' behaviour.

Define identification.

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like that role model.

Define modelling from observer's ( persons ) perspective

Modelling is imitating a role model's behaviour.

Define vicarious reinforcement.

Reinforcement that isn't directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being rewarded / punished for their behaviour. This is a key factor in imitation.

Define mediational processes.

Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response.

What are the 4 mediational processes in learning?

Attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation.

The 4 mediational processes in learning are: attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation. What is attention in this context?

Extent to which one notices certain behaviours. of role models.

The 4 mediational processes in learning are: attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation. What is retention in this context?

How well the behaviour is remembered.

The 4 mediational processes in learning are: attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation. What is motor reproduction in this context?

If the observer (child) has the ability to copy the behaviour of their role model, eg playing basketball, is the observer strong enough to play.

The 4 mediational processes in learning are: attention, retention, motor reproduction and motivation. What is motivation in this context?

The will to perform the behaviour, which is determined by whether it's rewarded or punished. If they get rewarded by behaviour they are more motivated to want to do it.

A strength of the social learning theory approach is...

that it provides a higher level of explanation of behaviours than behaviourism that offers a more simple version

A weakness of social learning theory approach is

that it is overly reliant on evidence from lab studies , which are artificial tasks so lack generalisability

A weakness of the social learning theory approach is that it

underestimates the influence of biological factors, in bandura's study it ignores the fact that agression ect may be heridetary and not just from watching role models

Strength of the social learning theory approach

is that it has useful applications, it changes previous cultural norms that what children watch has no effect on their behaviour when in fact it does. Increasing regulations on tv and movies.

Outlinine Bandura et al's (1961) Bobo doll study.

Recorded behaviour of young children who watched an adult behaved aggressively towards a photo. Adult hit Bobo doll with a hammer and shouted abuse at it. When the children were they to observe the playing with various stories, including a Bobo doll, they behaved much more aggressively towards the door and the other toys those who had observed a non-aggressive adult.