social learning theory

Question 1

what does social learning theory (SLT) emphasise?

Answer 1

• we learn by observing people we look up to
• behaviours can be learned without reinforcement
• focuses on learning through observation, not just rewards

Question 2

what happens in the process of social learning?

Answer 2

• individual observes a behaviour performed by a model
• notes the consequences of the model’s actions
• imitates or copies the behaviour seen

Question 3

how do rewards affect imitation in social learning?

Answer 3

• if the model is rewarded, the likelihood of imitation increases
• positive consequences for the model encourage copying the behaviour

Question 3

how does social learning differ from operant or classical conditioning?

Answer 3

• no cognition or planning involved, it’s automatic
• similar to operant/classical conditioning in that behaviour is learned
• likelihood of imitation depends on consequences for the model

Question 4

how does punishment affect imitation in social learning?

Answer 4

• if the model is punished, imitation is less likely
• however, Bandura’s research showed imitation could still occur if asked to reproduce the behaviour

Question 5

what is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 5

• a consequence that increases the likelihood of behaviour being repeated
• not directly experienced but observed in others
• occurs when someone else is reinforced for a behaviour
• key factor in imitation

Question 6

what are the four cognitive processes in Bandura’s social learning theory?

Answer 6

1. attention to the role model
2. retention of the observed behaviour
3. reproduction of the target behaviour
4. motivation to imitate the behaviour

Question 7

attention

Answer 7

• the person must pay attention to the model
• without attention, the behaviour cannot be learned

Question 8

retention

Answer 8

• the observer must retain the behaviour observed
• rehearsal can help increase retention of the behaviour

Question 9

reproduction

Answer 9

• the observer must be able to reproduce the behaviour demonstrated by the model
• requires physical and mental capability to imitate the behaviour

Question 10

motivation

Answer 10

• motivation to imitate the behaviour
• external motivation: like rewards (e.g. good grades)
• internal motivation: personal satisfaction or proving oneself

Question 11

what factors are necessary for successful social learning theory (SLT) to occur?

Answer 11

• attention to important parts of the observed action
• retention of information in memory
• can be difficult if actions are complex or the observer is young
• motivation to observe and reproduce the behaviour
• physical ability to copy the behaviour

Question 12

what are the results from studies on when behaviour is most likely to be imitated?

Answer 12

1. aggressive male models are imitated more than females
2. boys are more likely to imitate an aggressive male model
3. consistent role models are more likely to be imitated
4. boys show physical aggression, while girls show verbal aggression when imitating

Question 13

what is vicarious learning in social learning theory (SLT)?

Answer 13

• carrying out a behaviour that was observed in a model who was rewarded
• learning occurs through both direct reinforcement and vicarious (indirect) reinforcement
• imitation is influenced by perceived reinforcements and punishments