The Learning Approach: Social Learning Theory Flashcards
Define social learning theory (SLT).
A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.
Define imitation.
Copying the behaviour of others.
Only occurs when the behaviour is seen to be positively reinforced rather than punished.
Define identification.
When a person associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model.
Define modelling.
From the observer’s perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model.
From the role model’s perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.
Define vicarious reinforcement.
Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through someone else being reinforced for a behaviour - this is a key factor in imitation.
Define mediational processes.
Cognitive factors (i.e. thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response - they act as a MEDIATOR between the two.
What are the 4 mediational processes in learning that were identified by psychologist Albert Bandura?
ARMM
Attention - the extent to which we acknowledge certain behaviours.
Retention - how well the behaviour is remembered.
Motor reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour, often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.
Outline what Bandura suggested about mediational processes within social learning theory (SLT).
- SLT often described as the bridge between traditional learning theory and the cognitive approach as it focuses on how cognitive factors are involved in learning (i.e. thinking, perceiving).
- Mental factors mediate in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.
- The learning and performance of behaviour need not occur together - observed behaviours may be stored by the observer, then later reproduced.
What is the importance of cognitive factors in learning?
As it recognises mediational processes, social learning theory (SLT) provides a more comprehensive explanation (meaning it deals with more aspects of the situation) of human learning.
SLT allows for the acknowledgement that humans and animals may store information and reproduce this information through their actions when necessary and appropriate.
How is there an over-reliance on evidence from lab studies within social learning theory (SLT)?
Many of Bandura’s ideas were developed through behavioural observations of young children in lab settings - these are often criticised for being subject to demand characteristics and a lack of mundane realism.
E.g. the Bobo doll experiment, where the children may have just hit the doll because they thought it was expected of them - this means the research might not tell us how children actually learn aggression in real life.
How does social learning theory (SLT) ignore the influence of biological factors?
Bandura, during his research, makes very little reference to the impact of biological factors on social learning - boys were more aggressive than girls in the Bobo doll experiment, which may be explained by hormonal factors, i.e. higher levels of testosterone in males.
This means that the possible important influence of hormones on behaviour is not accounted for.
