Social Learning Theory

Question 1

Social Learning Theory

Answer 1

This approach suggests that we learn behaviour through observing and imitating role models and through vicarious reinforcement

Question 2

Imitation

Answer 2

This is when we copy the behaviour of another person

Question 3

Identification

Answer 3

This is when a person associates themselves with the role model that they are observing and they associate with - they want to be like the role model.

Question 4

Role model

Answer 4

A role model is a person who has qualities we would like to have and so we identify with them and model or imitate their behaviour/attitudes.
Often someone of superiority, older, of the same gender or have the same interests.

Question 5

Modelling

Answer 5

When applied to the observer: the process of imitating a role model
When applied to the role model: the behaviour performed by the role model

Question 6

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 6

This is a form of indirect learning, where an individual learns by observing the consequences of a role model’s behaviour. If the individual sees the role model being rewarded for their behaviour, they’ll be more likely to imitate this behaviour to get the same reward and vice versa.

Question 7

Mediational processes

Answer 7

These are internal mental (cognitive) processes that influence the way in which we respond to a behaviour we are observing. There are four mediational processes.

Question 8

What are the four mediational processes?

Answer 8

• Attention
• Retention
• Motor reproduction
• Motivation

Question 9

Attention

Answer 9

This refers to the extent to which we notice the behaviour of the role model. Attention influences whether we learn the behaviour

Question 10

Retention

Answer 10

This refers to how well we remember the behaviour we have observed. Retention influences whether we learn the behaviour

Question 11

Motor reproduction

Answer 11

This refers to whether an individual thinks they have ability to perform the behaviour they have observed. Motor reproduction influences whether we perform the behaviour.

Question 12

Motivation

Answer 12

This refers to whether an individual has the will to perform the behaviour. This is often determined by whether they observed the behaviour being rewarded or punished. Motivation influences whether we perform the behaviour.

Question 13

Demand characteristics

Answer 13

This refers to participants trying to guess the aim of a study they are taking part in and then trying to alter their behaviour in a way which either supports or goes against the hypothesis. Demand characteristics are more likely to occur when cues are present during the research that reveal the aim of the study.