4.3 learning approaches: social learning theory

Define social learning theory

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement

Define imitation

Copying the behaviour of others

Define identification

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

Define modelling

Imitating the behaviour of a role model

Define vicarious reinforcement

Reinforcement that occurs through observing someone else being reinforced

What are mediational processes

Cognitive factors that influence learning

Who proposed the social learning theory

Bandura

When does vicarious reinforcement occur

The learner will only imitate when the behaviour is seen to be rewarded

What is indirect learning

Through observation and imitation of others (vicarious reinforcement)

Application- banduras bobo doll

• recorded the behaviour of young children who watched an adult behave aggressively towards a bobo doll

• These children behaved much more aggressively than the children who had observed a non aggressive adult

Application- the media

• James bulger was a toddle, murdered by 2 10 year old boys

• These children were inspired by a horror film

• Shows the media can also be a way people learn behaviour

What are the 4 mediational processes

1. Attention

2. Retention

3. Motor reproduction

4. Motivation

Mediational processes- what is attention

The extent to which we notice certain behaviours

Mediational processes- what is Retention

How well the behaviour is remembered

Mediational processes- what is Motor reproduction

The ability to perform the behaviour

Mediational processes- what is Motivation

The will to perform the behaviour, often determined by if the behaviour was rewarded or punished

Evaluation- recognises cognitive factors

• Unlike the behaviourist approach, SLT recognises the importance of cognitive factors (thinking)

• Counterpoint- however biological influences are underemphasised. Recent research shows that mirror neurons are what allow us to imitate other people. So learning is not determined by the environment

Evaluation- contrived lab studies

• bobo dolls were done in a lab so participants may have produced demand characteristics

• Since the main purpose of the doll is to hit it, the children thought they were behaving in the ‘right’ way

• So low validity

Evaluation- real world application

• explains cultural differences in behaviour and how cultural norms are transmitted

• Also explains transmission of gender roles

Evaluation extra- reciprocal determinism

• Shows we have free will, and are not just influenced by our environment.

• We choose what behaviours to perform

• And actively influence the environment through our chosen behaviour