Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Assumptions
Bandura agreed with behaviourists that behaviour is learned from experience. However SLT proposes people learn through observation and imitation of others. SLT suggested that learning occurs directly, through classical and operant conditioning, but also indirectly.
Vicarious reinforcement
For indirect learning to take place an individual observes the behaviour of others. Imitation of others only occurs if behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished. Therefore learner observes the behaviour but most importantly also observes the consequences of a behaviour.
4 mediational processes
1.attention- the extent to which we notice certain behaviour
- Retention-how well the behaviour is remembered.
3.motor reproduction-the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
4.Motivation- the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.
Identification
People (especially children) are more likely to imitate people they identify with, a process called identification. The person they identify with is called a role model and the process of imitating a role model is called modelling. Behaviour of a role model is also called modelling.
A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and/or are attractive and have high status. Role models may not necessarily be physically present in the environment, and this had important implications of the media on behaviour.
Bandura’s studies
- Bandura et al recorded the behaviour of young children who watched an adult behave in an aggressive way towards a bobo doll. Hit with hammer and abused. Children became much more aggressive playing with toys and bobo later on than children who hadn’t watched the adult
-also showed videos to children where an adult behaved aggressively to bobo doll and was praised . Also told off. Third group saw no consequence. First group showed more aggression, then the third group and then the second didn’t show much.
Strength- cognitive factors
Recognises importance of cognitive factors in learning. Classical nor operant conditioning offer adequate account of learning on their own. Humans and animals store info about behaviours of others and use it to make judgements about when it’s right to perform actions. Therefore SLT provides a much more comprehensive explanation of human leaning by recognising the role of mediational processes.
Counterpoint-SLT has been criticised for making too little reference to the influence of biological factors on social learning. Bandura claimed biological factors influenced learning potential, he thought leaning itself was determined by environment. Recent research suggests observational learning may be a result of mirror neurons in brain, allowing us to empathise with and imitate other people.
Limitation- contrived lab studies
Many of banduras ideas were developed through observation of young children’s behaviour in lab. Participants may respond to demand characteristics. Been suggested main purpose of bobo doll is to strike it, children thought they were meant to. Suggests children may not act like this in real life.
Strength- real world
SLT explains cultural differences in behaviour. SLT principles such as modelling, imitation and reinforcement can account for how children learn from others around them, including media , and this can explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies. Also how children come to understand their gender role.
