Social learning theory

Question 1

Define ‘vicarious reinforcement’.

Answer 1

Learning through observation of the consequences of other people’s actions

Question 2

What is the Social Learning Theory? (2 points)

Answer 2

Agrees with behaviourists that behaviour is learnt from experiences (nurture)

Behaviour is learnt through observation and imitation of a role model an individual identifies with

Question 3

What are the 4 mediational processes involved in the Social Learning Theory?

Answer 3

ATTENTION must be given to the behaviour being observed to enable memory encoding

RETENTION of the behaviour in the memory is required - usually achieved by conscious and subconscious rehearsal

MOTOR REPRODUCTION - the observer must be physically capable to co-ordinate motor skills and reproduce the behaviour

MOTIVATION to imitate the behaviour will occur if the role model was reinforced e.g. vicarious reinforcement

Question 4

How does nature vs. nurture offer other explanations for the Social Learning theory? (3 points)

Answer 4

Reductionist - sees behaviour as determined by socialisation whereas some behaviour may be innate

One consistent finding in Bandura’s Bobo doll studies was that boys were more aggressive than girls

Can be explained by predisposed hormones - boys can have more testosterone, linked to aggressive behaviour

Question 5

Are there any explanations other than the Social Learning theory that make it reductionist? (3 points)

Answer 5

SLT only sees behaviour as a product of indirect learning via observation and imitation - other theories state that behaviour is learnt directly via consequences

E.g. operant conditioning - supported by Skinner’s box experiments

However, SLT can be regarded as more holistic:
+ It considers thought processes with mediational processes
+ Pavlov and Skinner (classical and operant conditioning) only focused on studying observable behaviour

Question 6

How credible is the Social Learning theory? (3 points)

Answer 6

Regarded as less scientifically credible than other learning theories

Pavlov and Skinner focused on studying only observable behaviour

SLT acknowledges cognitive mediational processes - internal processes that are unempirical and harder to measure objectively

Question 7

How can the Social Learning theory be applied to real life? (3 points)

Answer 7

Its principles can be used in media in the form of a
broadcasting watershed (9pm UK)

It serves as a dividing line in the programming schedule between family-oriented programs and ones aimed at adult audiences

Knowing the consequences of adult/violent behaviours on TV allows this to mediated better