SLT Flashcards
(10 cards)
What are the assumptions of Social Learning Theory (SLT)?
Albert Bandura agreed with the behaviourists that behaviour is learned from experience. However, his social learning theory (SLT) proposed a different way in which people learn – through observation and imitation of others (i.e., it is social – involving others). SLT suggested that learning occurs directly, through classical and operant conditioning, but also indirectly.
What is 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. This is known as vicarious reinforcement. The learner observes a behaviour and, most importantly, the consequences of that behaviour.
Why is SLT described as a ‘bridge’ between behaviourism and the cognitive approach?
SLT is 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 (i.e. intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.
What are the four mediational processes in SLT identified by Bandura?
Attention – the extent to which we notice certain behaviours. Retention – how well the behaviour is remembered. Motor reproduction – the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour. Motivation – the will to perform the behaviour, often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.
Which of the mediational processes relate to learning vs performance?
The first two (attention and retention) relate to the learning of behaviour, and the last two (motor reproduction and motivation) relate to the performance of behaviour. Learning and performance do not need to occur together; observed behaviours may be stored and reproduced later.
What is identification in SLT?
People, especially children, are more likely to imitate people they identify with, called role models. The process of imitating a role model is 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 do not have to be physically present, which has important implications for the influence of the media.
PEEL – Strength: Cognitive factors
P: One strength of the social learning theory approach is that it recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning. E: Neither classical nor operant conditioning can offer an adequate account of learning on their own. Humans and animals store information about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgements about when it is appropriate to perform certain actions. As Bandura observed: E: ‘Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. From observing others, one forms an idea of how new behaviours are performed, and on later occasions, this coded information serves as a guide to action’ (Bandura 1977). L: This suggests that SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes.
PEEL – Limitation: Under-emphasis on biology
P: Despite this, SLT has been criticised for making too little reference to the influence of biological factors on social learning. E: Although Bandura claimed natural biological differences influenced our learning potential, he thought that learning itself was determined by the environment. E: However, recent research suggests that observational learning may be the result of mirror neurons in the brain, which allow us to empathise with and imitate other people. L: This suggests that biological influences on social learning were under-emphasised in SLT.
PEEL – Limitation: Contrived lab studies
P: One limitation of social learning theory is that the evidence on which it is based was gathered through lab studies. E: Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed through observing young children’s behaviour in the lab. Lab studies are often criticised for their contrived nature, where participants may respond to demand characteristics. E: It has been suggested that, in relation to the Bobo doll research, because the main purpose of the doll is to strike it, the children were simply behaving in a way they thought was expected. L: This suggests the research may tell us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday life.
PEEL – Strength: Real-world application
P: Another strength is that SLT principles have been applied to a range of real-world behaviours. E: Social learning theory can explain cultural differences in behaviour. SLT principles – such as modelling, imitation, and reinforcement – explain how children learn from others, including the media, which transmits social/cultural norms. E: This has proved useful in understanding behaviours such as how children learn gender roles. L: This increases the value of the approach as it can account for real-world behaviour.
