Social Learning Theory

Question 1

What is social LT

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement combining the LT with the role of cognitive factors.

Question 2

Importance of imitation

Answer 2

Imitation is dependent on the consequence that the role model receives if a model experiences positive reinforcement, the observer is more likely to imitate because they want to be rewarded. If the model experiences a punishment, an observer is less likely to imitate the behaviour because they do not want to be punished.

Question 3

Importance of role models

Answer 3

There must be a role model. These models provide examples of behaviour that be observed, later reproduced through imitation.

Question 4

What is mediation process stages

Answer 4

It bridges the gap between learning and cognitive theories.
For learning to occur the observer must:
1) pay attention
2) retain the behaviour
3) behaviour must be reproduced
4) individuals must feel motivated

Question 5

Meditation process

Answer 5

Attention and retention relate to the learning of a behaviour. Motor reproduction and motivation relate to the performance of a behaviour.

Question 6

Importance of identification

Answer 6

When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model. This is usually because the person or group processes see certain desirable behaviours

Question 7

Give 2 evaluations for social learning theory

Answer 7

LOE- the approach underestimates the influence of biological factors on learning. A consistent findings in the bandura research was that boys were more aggressive than girls, regardless of the specific of their he experimental situation. This could be explained by hormonal factors such as higher levels of testosterone in biys which are not accounted for in SLT.

SU-this approach can help to explain cultural differences in behaviour. For example it can explain how children understand their gender roles and how this differs between countries. In Africa, males take in the roles like looking after children and ensuring the home runs effectively. These roles would be viewed as feminine by many British individuals