Social Cognitive Theory Flashcards
(19 cards)
What does Social Cognitive Theory assume about human behavior?
Humans learn their behavior through observation of models
Models can have direct or indirect effects on behavior.
What is Vicarious Reinforcement?
When the model’s treatment is sufficient for the observer to continue a behavior without direct reinforcement
It contrasts with theories that emphasize the need for positive reinforcement.
List the four cognitive factors involved in Social Cognitive Learning according to Bandura.
- Attention
- Retention
- Motivation
- Potential
What is the role of Attention in Social Cognitive Learning?
The learner must pay attention to the model
Factors influencing attention include the model’s attractiveness, authority, and behavior desirability.
Define Retention in the context of Social Cognitive Learning.
The observer must remember the behavior to reproduce it later
This can occur immediately or after some time.
What is Motivation in Social Cognitive Learning?
The learner must want to replicate the behavior and be aware of the potential outcomes
This awareness is referred to as ‘outcome experience’.
What is meant by Potential in Social Cognitive Learning?
The observer must be physically and/or mentally able to reproduce the behavior.
How does consistency of the model affect imitation?
Observers are more likely to imitate models who behave consistently across various situations.
What is the impact of identification with the model on learning?
Observers tend to imitate models who are similar to them, such as in age or gender.
How does liking the model influence imitation?
Friendlier models are more likely to be imitated than colder, uncaring ones.
What is self-efficacy in the context of Social Cognitive Learning?
One’s belief in their ability to succeed in a task
High self-efficacy enhances learning effectiveness.
What was the aim of Bandura et al.’s Bobo doll experiment?
To see if children would imitate aggression modeled by an adult and if they were more likely to imitate same-sex models.
Describe the procedure of Bandura et al.’s Bobo doll experiment.
36 boys & 36 girls ages 3-6 were divided into groups exposed to aggressive or non-aggressive models, then observed in a room with a Bobo doll.
What were the findings of Bandura et al.’s Bobo doll experiment?
Group 1 was more aggressive, girls imitated verbal aggression more, boys imitated physical aggression more, and children imitated same-sex models.
What are some evaluation points of the Bobo doll experiment?
- Ecological validity issues
- Demand characteristics
- Ethical concerns regarding teaching violent behavior
What was the aim of Charlton et al.’s St. Helena study?
To investigate the effects of television introduction on aggression in children.
What was the procedure used in Charlton et al.’s St. Helena study?
TV was introduced with violent content equivalent to the UK, and cameras monitored playground behavior.
What were the findings of Charlton et al.’s St. Helena study?
Aggression in children did not increase after 5 years; good behavior prior to TV introduction was maintained.
What are some evaluation points of Charlton et al.’s St. Helena study?
- Remote location affecting culture
- Methodological limitations regarding violence display
- Lack of study on positive influences of TV
