The learning approach: SLT

Question 1

Who proposed the social learning theory? Why?

Answer 1

Albert Bandura proposed the social learning theory as a different way for people to learn

Question 2

What does the social learning theory suggest about learning?

Answer 2

SLT suggests learning occurs directly (though operant and classical conditioning) and indirectly

Question 3

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Answer 3

Vicarious Reinforcement is reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour

Question 4

When does indirect learning take place?

Answer 4

Indirect learning takes place when an individual observes the behaviour of others

Question 5

What circumstances allow for imitation of an observed behaviour?

Answer 5

Imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished

Question 6

Why is SLT considered as a bridge between the cognitive approach and behavioural approach?

Answer 6

SLT has a focus on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning

Question 7

What are the four mediational processes in learning?

Answer 7

1. Attention
2. Retention
3. Motor reproduction
4. Motivation

Question 8

What are mediational processes?

Answer 8

Cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response

Question 9

What is the explanation behind attention in the role of the mediational processes?

Answer 9

Attention is the extent to which we notice certain behaviours

Question 10

What is the explanation behind retention in the role of the mediational processes?

Answer 10

Retention is how well a behaviour is remembered

Question 11

What is the explanation behind motor reproduction in the role of the mediational processes?

Answer 11

Motor reproduction describes the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour

Question 12

What is the explanation behind motivation in the role of the mediational processes?

Answer 12

Motivation is the will of the observer to perform the behaviour, this is determined by the reward/punishment recieved after performing the behaviour

Question 13

What do the first two mediational processes relate to compared to the last two?

Answer 13

The first two relate to learning behaviour and the last two relate to performance of a behaviour

Question 14

What is different about SLT compared to traditional behaviourism?

Answer 14

Unlike traditional behaviourism, the learning + performing of behaviour do not need to occur together. Observed behaviours may be stored by the observer and reproduced at a later time

Question 15

What makes people more likely to imitate a behaviour?

Answer 15

People are more likely to imitate behaviours of people they identify with, called “role models”.

Question 16

What is the imitation of role models process called?

Answer 16

Modelling

Question 17

How can you identify a role model?

Answer 17

Someone becomes a role model if they have similar characteristics to the observer, are attractive and have a high status

Question 18

What is the meaning of modelling?

Answer 18

In the observer’s view: Modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model

In the role model’s view: Modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer

Question 19

What is identification?

Answer 19

Identification is when an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model

Question 20

What is a limitation of the social learning theory? (biological factors)

Answer 20

The social learning theory underestimated the influence of biological factors. There’s little reference to the impact of biological factors on social learning. A consistent find in the Bobo doll experiments found boys were more aggressive than girls, which could be explained by hormonal factors, like differences in testosterone levels. This means that this important influence on behaviour is not accounted for in SLT

Question 21

What is an advantage of the social learning theory? (cultural differences)

Answer 21

The social learning theory explain cultural differences in behaviour. It accounts for how children learn from other individuals around them, as well as through the media. This theory explains how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies.

Question 22

What is a limitation of the social learning theory? (overemphasis)

Answer 22

There is an overemphasis on behaviour in the social learning theory. It overstates the role of observational learning while undervaluing other forms of learning, (individual exploration). By describing behaviour solely in terms of either nature or nurture is limiting, attempts to do this underestimates the complexity of human behaviour. This is because observational learning does not occur in isolation. There are many factors that influence what is learned, how it is interpreted and whether/when it is acted upon.