3. social learning theory Flashcards
ASSUMPTIONS
SLT
Albert Bandura agreed with the behaviourists that behaviour is learned from experience.
However, SLT proposed a different way in which people learn through observation and imitation of others - it is social.
SLT suggested that learning occurs directly, through classical and operant conditioning, but also indirectly, through vicarious reinforcement.
VICARIOUS REINFORCEMENT
For indirect learning to take place
an individual observes the behaviour of others.
The learner may imitate this behaviour but, in general, imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished the learner observes a behaviour but most importantly also observes the consequences of a behaviour.
ATTENTION
the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
THE ROLE OF MEDIATIONAL PROCESSES
SLT is often described as the ‘bridge’ between behaviourist learning theory and the cognitive approach because it focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning these mental factors mediate in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.
Four mental or mediational processes in learning were identified by Bandura:
- ATTENTION
- RETENTION
- MOTOR REPRODUCTION
- MOTIVATION
RETENTION
how well the behaviour is remembered.
MOTOR REPRODUCTION
the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
MOTIVATION
he will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.
IDENTIFICATION
People (especially children) are more likely to imitate people they identify with, a process called identification.
role models
The person they identify with is called a role model and the process of imitating a role model is called modelling (the behaviour of a role model is also called modelling)
A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and/or are attractive and have high status.
Role models may not necessarily be physically present in the environment, and this has important implications for the influence of the media on behaviour.
AO3: strength of SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
research support - cook & mineka
The social learning approach has supporting evidence.
Cook & Mineka conducted an observational study where they showed a monkey a video of another monkey reacting with fear when shown a snake.
When the observer monkey had to pass a snake-like toy to get food, they would not approach the food, showing fear.
This demonstrates that the monkeys were learning through observation and imitation and that social learning theory can be applied to humans and animals alike.
Supporting evidence gives the theory greater reliability.
AO3: strength of SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
can explain cultural differences in behaviour
SLT can explain cultural differences in behaviour.
Behaviours and social norms often differ between cultures. For example differences in prayer rituals or eating habits from country to country.
Social learning principles explain how children learn from the individuals around them as well as through the media, which can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies.
This has proven useful in understanding a range of behaviours across a variety of cultures, which cannot be explained by traditional behaviourist learning theories.
Therefore SLT has practical application to the real world.
AO3: limitation of SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
supporting evidence comes from lab studies - lacks mundane realism
Evidence supporting social learning theory relies mainly on evidence from laboratory studies.
Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed through observing children’s behaviour in labs (for example the Bobo Doll studies).
There are many issues with lab studies,
including demand characteristics, being contrived in nature and not being representative of the natural world.
Therefore this weakens the SLT explanation as it cannot tell us how people react or learn behaviour in everyday life.
