Social learning theory

Question 1

What is the social learning theory

Answer 1

Learning through observing role models who we identify with and imitating behaviours that are rewarded

Question 2

Define imitation

Answer 2

When an individual observes the behaviour of a role model and copies it

Question 3

Define identification

Answer 3

When an individual is influenced from another because they are in some way similar or wish to be like them (age, higher status, gender, ect.)

Question 4

Define modelling

Answer 4

A form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual performing that behaviour

Question 5

Define vicarious reinforcement

Answer 5

Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour

Question 6

State and describe the study which demonstrates the role of SLT on aggressive behaviour in children

Answer 6

Bandura Bobo dolls:
- studied 3-5 year olds
- he found that the children imitated exactly what they saw the adult models do - they behaved aggressively towards the bobo doll
- more likely to imitate same-sex model

Question 7

State and describe the second study which shows influence of vicarious reinforcement on aggressive behaviour in children

Answer 7

Bandura Bobo dolls:
- saw a model being rewarded, punished, or experiencing no consequences for aggressive behaviour towards the bobo doll
- found that children showed less similar behaviour toward the bobo doll when they were shown the clip that ended with the punishment compared to the other conditions

Question 8

Why is SLT described as the bridge between traditional learning theory (behaviourism) and cognitive approach

Answer 8

• focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning
• individuals do not just automatically imitate behaviour, there is some thought prior to imitation
• these mental factors meditate (intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired

Question 9

State the four meditational processes involved when deciding whether to imitate behaviour

Answer 9

1. Attention- noticing certain behaviour
2. Retention- how well it is remembered
3. Motor Reproduction- ability to perform behaviour
4. Motivation- behaviour will be performed if expectation of a positive consequence is greater than the expectations of a negative consequence