Approaches, Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Key assumptions of SLT?

Answer 1

• behaviour acquired through direct experiences
• reinforcement act as an informative function, observing own & other’s behaviour and its consequences
• active role than operant conditioning (its passive)
• hypotheses (feedback) provides guides for future behaviour

Question 2

Bandura’s 5 features?

Answer 2

Bandura (1986):
- Modelling: behaviour observed/reproduced through live/symbolic models
- Imitation: behaviour copied based on characteristics of model, perceived ability to perform behaviour, observed consequence
- Identification: extent to which individual relates to model
- Vicarious Reinforcement: more likely to imitate behaviour if see someone else rewarded
- Meditational Processes: internal, active, observer must form mental representations of modelled behaviour & its consequences for the future

Question 3

Pros of SLT

Answer 3

• Research support: Bandura et al (1961)
• Real-world application: crime, Ulrich 2003, more likely to engage in criminal behaviour if exposed to models who do and identify with them, more so if perceived positive consequences

Question 4

Cons of SLT?

Answer 4

• Over-simplistic argument: Siegel & McCormish 2006, young people with deviant values are more likely to seek out peers with similar attitudes as they are more fun to be with, not imitating them, theory is deterministic
• reductionist: behaviour influenced by other things