Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Definition of Social Learning Theory
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning with the role of cognitive factors
Vicarious reinforcement
Reinforcement that is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour
Definition of Mediational Processes
Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
Attention
The extent to which we notice certain behaviours
Retention
How well the behaviour is remebered
Motor reproduction
The ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
Motivation
The will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished
Identification
When an observer associated themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model
How does a person become a role model to someone else?
If they are seen to have similar characteristics and have high status
A strength of SLT
Cognitive factors:
- Operant/classical conditioning can’t offer an adequate account of learning on their own
- Humans and animals store information about other’s behaviour
A strength of SLT
Real world application:
- Can explain how children learn through observing other’s behaviour
- Can explain how social norms are transmitted through societies
A limitation of SLT
Contrived lab studies:
- Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed through observing children
- Children may be responding to demand characteristics
- Were behaving in a way they thought was expected
