social learning theory

Question 1

ao1 behaviour is learnt…

Answer 1

from experience, bandura proposed we learn through observation and imitation

Question 2

ao1 for indirect learning to occur…

Answer 2

an individual must observe the behaviour of others
they may imitate the behaviour, but only if the consequences of this behaviour seem positive

Question 3

ao1 how does someone become a model?

Answer 3

if they’re seen to possess characteristics that the observer wishes to have

Question 3

ao1 if they observe the model…

Answer 3

being rewarded they’re likely to imitate the behaviour through vicarious reinforcement
more likely to imitate if they identify with the model

Question 3

ao1 mediational processes

Answer 3

refers to the mental event that determines whether an individual percieves a behaviour worth imitating

Question 4

ao3, limitation= lab evidence

Answer 4

evidence on which is it’s based on was gathered through observation of children’s behaviour in the lab
lab studies often criticised for their contrived nature where pp’s respond to demand characteristics
been suggested in relation to bobo doll research that, bc the main purpose of the doll is to strike it, the children were simply behaving in a way they thought was expected
suggests research may tell us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday

Question 5

ao3, strength=real word application

Answer 5

slt’s been applied to a range of real world behaviours & has the advantage of being able to explain cultural differences in behaviour.
principles such as modelling, imitation & reinforcement can account for how social/cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies.
this has proved useful in understanding a range of behaviours, such as how children come to understand their gender role.
increases value of approach- accounts for real world behaviour

Question 6

ao3, strength= recognises importance of cognitive factors in learning

Answer 6

neither classical/operant conditioning can offer an adequate account of learning on their own.
humans & animals store info about the behaviours of others and use this to make judgements about when its appropriate to peform certain actions.
this suggests that slt provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes