Learning approach: social learning theory Flashcards
What are the assumptions of social learning theory?
Bandura agreed with the behaviourists that behaviour is learned from experience, but SLT proposed that people learn through observation and imitation of others in a social context. It occurs directly and indirectly.
How does indirect learning take place?
An individual observes the behaviour of others. In general imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished i.e vicarious reinforcement.
What were the four meditational processes in learning identified by Bandura?
Attention: the extent to which we notice behaviours
Retention: how well the behaviour is remembered
Motor reproduction: the ability to perform the behaviour
Motivation: the will to perform the behaviour, often determined by whether it was rewarded or punished
What is the link between identification and SLT?
People are more likely to imitate the behaviour they identify with, role models. This is called modelling.
What is the evaluation for the SLT approach?
The importance of cognitive factors
Over-reliance of lab studies
Underestimates influence of biological factors
Less determinist than biological approach
Evaluation point for the SLT approach: The importance of cognitive factors
Neither classical or operant conditioning can offer an adequate account of learning on their own. They ignore the fact that humans and animals store information about behaviour of others and use this to make judgements about when it is appropriate to perform certain actions.
As such, SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes.
Evaluation point for the SLT approach: Over-reliance of lab studies
Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed in lab settings. Lab studies are criticised for their contrived nature where participants may respond to demand characteristics.
E.g in bobo doll experiment
Thus the research may tell us very little about how children actually learn.
Evaluation point for the SLT approach: Underestimates influence of biological factors
In Bobo doll experiments they consistently found that boys were more aggressive than girls regardless of the experimental situation. This is most likely explained by the influence of testosterone, but this was overlooked.
This means that this important influence is not accounted for in SLT.
Evaluation point for the SLT approach: Less determinist than biological approach
Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism, we are not merely influenced by our external environment, but we also exert an influence on it by the behaviours we choose to perform.
This element of choice suggests there is some free will in the way we behave.
