Social learning theory Flashcards
social learning theory
a way of explaining behaviour that uses both direct and indirect reinforcement
imitation
copying behaviour of others
identification
when an observer associates themselves with the role model and wants to be like them
modelling from observers perspective
imitating behaviour of a role model
modelling from role model’s perspective
precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that can be imitated by an observer
What did BANDURA propose?
agreed that behaviour is learned from experience however he also proposed a different way which people learn which is through observation and imitation of others
vicarious reinforcement
indirect learning happens when an individual observes the behaviour of others, the learner might imitate the behaviour. Yet imitation only takes pace if the behaviour is reinforced(rewarded) and not punished
This is explored by
- Bandura
- Walter
4 mediational processes
(SLT bridges behaviourist learning theory with the cognitive approach)
attention
retention
motor reproduction
motivation
slt strengths
Recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning
Has real world application
- Explains cultural differences in behaviour
- Shows how children learn from the people around them and how they come to understand their gender role
slt limitations
Makes too little reference to the influence of biological factors however observational learning might be because of mirror neurons. This suggests that biological influences were under emphasised.
The evidence was collected using lab studies
- Contrived nature of lab studies means that the children may have responded to demand characteristics
- Behaving in a way that they thought was expected
think influence
reciprocal determinism
which means that we are not just influenced by our environment but we also have an influence on it
