Social Learning Theory

• Who pioneered social learning theory?

  Albert Bandura.
• How does social learning theory differ from behaviorism?

  Social learning theory states that people learn through observation and imitation of role models.
• What is vicarious reinforcement in social learning theory?

  It is when individuals learn behaviors by observing others being rewarded for those behaviors.
• What are the characteristics of individuals that are considered role models?

  They may have similar characteristics, status, attractiveness, or charisma.
• What is the term used for the process of identifying with role models?

  Identification.
• What are the four mediational processes in social learning theory?

  Attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation.
• Why is motivation important in the context of social learning theory?

  Motivation determines whether an individual will imitate a behavior they have observed.
• How does social learning theory introduce the element of choice in behavior?

  It suggests that just because a behavior has been learned, it doesn't mean it will be carried out unless the individual wants to.
• What is the key study associated with social learning theory?

  The Bobo doll study.
• What did children observe in the Bobo doll study?

  Children observed adults playing aggressively with a Bobo doll.
• What was the outcome of the Bobo doll study regarding children's behavior?

  Children who observed aggressive adults behaved more aggressively towards the doll and other toys.
• What is a limitation of the Bobo doll study mentioned in the evaluation section?

  The study is criticized for being conducted in a lab, which may lead to artificial behavior and demand characteristics.
• What is a strength of social learning theory compared to behaviorism?

  It acknowledges the importance of cognitive processes in learning.
• What biological factor is mentioned as potentially important in observational learning?

  Mirror neurons.
• Why is it important to link criticisms of the Bobo doll study to social learning theory?

  Because the Bobo doll study underpins social learning theory, and criticisms of it reflect on the theory itself.
• What are the basic assumptions and core elements of social learning theory?

  • Behavior is learned through observation and imitation.
  • Learning occurs via vicarious reinforcement.
  • Mediational processes are involved in learning.
  • Role models are identified based on similarity and status.
• What are the strengths and limitations of social learning theory?

  Strengths:

  • Acknowledges cognitive processes in learning.
  • Provides a comprehensive account of human learning.

  
  

  Limitations:

  • Ignores biological factors like mirror neurons.
  • Evidence primarily from lab studies, which may lack ecological validity.