Social Learning Theory Flashcards
(12 cards)
1
Q
What is SLT often described as?
A
-‘bridge’ between behaviourists learning theory and cognitive approach
- focuses on how cognitive factors are also involved in learning
2
Q
What are the assumptions in SLT?
A
- behaviour is learnt from the environment
- learning behaviours through observing & imitating successful role models
- also considers mediational processes involved in learning
3
Q
What is vicarious reinforcement?
A
- indirect learning where we observe others
- imitation mainly occurs if behaviour is seen to be reward rather than punished
4
Q
What are the Four mediational processes identified by Bandura?
A
- Attention- the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
- Retention- how well the behaviour is remembered
- motor reproduction- ability of observer to perform behaviour
- motivation- the will to perform the behaviour (rewarded or punishment)
5
Q
What is identification?
A
Individual is influenced by another role model because they are similar or wish to be like them
6
Q
What is modelling?
A
- When an observer imitates role models behaviour
- role model perspective -precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by observer
7
Q
Outline Banduras research procedure
A
- recorded the behaviour of young children who watched an adult behave aggressively towards bobo doll
- adult hit doll with hammer & shouted abuse at it
8
Q
Banduras research findings
A
- children later observed playing with various toys inc. bobo doll
- behaved more aggressively towards doll and toy than those who had seen non-aggressive clip
9
Q
What is a strength of SLT?
A
- recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning
- humans & animals store information about the behaviour of others and use this to make judgements about when its appropriate to perform certain actions
- more comprehensive as it recognises role of mediational processes
10
Q
What is a counterpoint for strength of SLT?
A
- underestimates influence of biological factors
- Bandura made very little reference to these during the development of SLT
- boys reported as behaving more aggressively than girls in his study
- majority of the boys are reported to have high levels of testosterone in their bodies >hormone linked to increase in aggressive behaviours -casts doubt on SLT
11
Q
What is a limitation of Banduras research?
A
- evidence gathered through lab studies
- Banduras ideas were developed through observations of young people during lab studies > criticised for their contrived nature p’s may respond to demand characteristics
- children were simply behaving in a way that was expected (striking)
- tells us little about children & aggression in real life
12
Q
How does SLT have real-world application?
A
- SLT principles have been applied to a range of real world behaviours
- principles such as modelling, imitation and VR can account for how children learn from others around them including the media
- e.g. aggression may be caused by imitation & observation
- can protect children from exposure to negative role models (certificate on films & computer games informs parents suitability of products) > external validity
