Social learning theory

• SLT- main assumptions

  • behaviour is learnt through observation and imitation of role models
  • Role models typically possess similar traits and are seen to be more attractive - observers store a mental representation of the behaviour + consequence
• When does imitation occur? 


  Occurs if the seen behaviour is rewarded (doesn't need to be direct- vicarious reinforcement )
• Mediational processes

  • attention - observer must pay attention to a behaviour
  • Retention- a mental representation of the behaviour is stored to later be replicated
  • Reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform the observed behaviour (can we psychically do it?)
  • Motivation - rewards and punishments that follow a behaviour will determine whether the observer reproduces the behaviour
• What is identification?

  • a child that sees the self as similar to a specific person who is a role model
  • form of attachment - aspire to be like them - relationship between imitator and imitated
• Bandura’s research

  • study A -children watches an adult behave in an aggressive way towards a Bobo doll - children behaved more aggressively towards the doll than those who observed a non-aggressive adult
  • Study B - Bandura and Richard Walters - children observed same aggressive behaviour. One group saw the adult praised, they showed much more aggression
  • 2nd group saw the adult punished
  • 3rd control group - saw aggression without consequence - least aggressive