Social Learning Theory Flashcards
(Assumption) How does SLT believe behaviour is learnt?
Observation of behaviour and its consequences and imitation dependent upon the consequences
(Assumption) What is modelling?
copying behaviour of a role model or where the role model demonstrates a behaviour
(Assumption) Why are we more likely to imitate the behaviour of role models?
If they are:
similar e.g. sex or age as its easier to aspire to
likeable and attractive associated with popularity
high-status or celebrities, associated with popularity and power
(Assumption) Why is reinforced behaviour more likely to be imitated?
If it is seen as rewarding it will be imitated
(Assumption) What is vicarious reinforcement?
learning through observation of the consequences of others behaviour.
(Assumption) What are mediating cognitive factors and their effect on imitation?
Mental processes that occur between the stimulus and response that influence our behaviour.
They may result in behaviour not being imitated if it is not seen as rewarding or the individual is not motivated to imitate
(Assumption) What are the 4 conditions for effective modelling to take place?
Attention- to the model’s behaviour
Memory- How well the behaviour and consequences are recalled
Motor reproduction processes- ability to imitate
Motivation- the rewards or punishments and if they are worth it
(Assumption) Outline Bandura’s lab experiment
Aim: to demonstrate observational or imitative behaviour learning in young children
Method: two groups; one group were in a room with an adult who was abusive toward the bobo doll and the second group were with an adult who behaved in a subdued way
Each child was put in a play room and the number of aggressive behaviours each child made towards the doll was recorded
Results: More aggressive acts from children who observed an aggressive adult. Boys tended to be more aggressive
Conclusion: Exposure to an aggressive model results in observational learning and aggressive behaviour
(Evaluation) Why is the practical application of learning complex behaviours such as aggression a strength?
More likely to be valid
(Evaluation) Why is the use of scientific research methods a strength?
Highly controlled, more likely to be ccurate and valid
(Evaluation) Why is the use of human participants a strength?
can be generalised unlike behaviourism which uses animals
(Evaluation) Why is the involvement of mental processes a strength?
Makes it less mechanisitc as thoughts such as motivation do influence our behaviour
(Evaluation) Why is neglecting the role of other factors such as biology a weakness?
makes it oversimplistic
(Evaluation) Why are highly artificial lab experiments a weakness?
difficult to generalise to real life as they lack ecological validity
(Evaluation) Why are methodological issues with investigating cognitive factors a weakness?
The processes are not observable so results can only be inferred
