Social Learning Theory

• What is the main focus of Social Learning Theory?

  It proposes that people learn new behaviors through observation, imitation, and modeling.
• How does Social Learning Theory differ from conventional behaviorism?

  It recognizes a role for cognition in learning.
• Who developed Social Learning Theory?

  Albert Bandura
• What is the process of imitation in Social Learning Theory?

  It involves observing models and reproducing their behavior.
• What factors increase the likelihood of imitating a model?

  Identifying with the model or holding them in high regard.
• What is vicarious reinforcement in Social Learning Theory?

  Learning that occurs by observing a model being reinforced for their behavior.
• What are mediational processes in Social Learning Theory?

  They are internal cognitive processes associated with learning.
• What are the four mediational processes identified in Social Learning Theory?

  Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
• What does attention refer to in the context of mediational processes?

  It is the process of selectively concentrating on specific aspects of observed behavior.
• What does retention mean in mediational processes?

  It is the ability to remember and mentally store observed behaviors for later imitation.
• What is reproduction in the context of mediational processes?

  It is the ability to translate stored mental representations of observed behaviors into actual performance.
• What does motivation refer to in mediational processes?

  It is the drive or desire to perform the learned behavior, influenced by observed consequences.
• How can Lucy's recent weight loss be explained by Social Learning Theory?

  • Observing models who engage in healthy behaviors
  • Imitating their actions
  • Identifying with those models
  • Experiencing vicarious reinforcement through their success
• What is the role of a model in Social Learning Theory?

  A model is an individual whose behavior is observed and potentially imitated by others.
• What does identification mean in Social Learning Theory?

  It is the process of an observer associating themselves with a model, leading to the adoption of the model's behaviors.
• How does regard influence imitation in Social Learning Theory?

  The level of respect or admiration for a model can increase the likelihood of imitation.
• What is the definition of vicarious reinforcement?


  Learning that occurs by observing the consequences of others' actions.
• What are the key terms associated with Social Learning Theory?

  • Social Learning Theory: Learning through observation and imitation.
  • Imitation: Copying observed behaviors.
  • Model: An individual whose behavior is observed.
  • Identification: Associating with a model.
  • Regard: Respect for a model.
  • Vicarious Reinforcement: Learning from others' consequences.
  • Mediational Processes: Cognitive processes in learning.
• What are the steps involved in the mediational processes of Social Learning Theory?

  1. Attention: Concentrating on observed behavior.
  2. Retention: Remembering the behavior.
  3. Reproduction: Performing the behavior.
  4. Motivation: Desire to perform the behavior.
• What is the main focus of Social Learning Theory?

  It emphasizes learning through imitation and observation of role models.
• What are the key components of Social Learning Theory?

  • Imitation
  • Identification
  • Modelling
  • Vicarious reinforcement
  • Mediational processes
• Who conducted research supporting Social Learning Theory in 1961?

  Bandura, Ross, and Ross
• What was the aim of Bandura, Ross, and Ross's 1961 study?

  To see if children learn aggression from adult role models.
• How many children participated in Bandura's 1961 study?

  72 children
• What procedure was used in Bandura's study?

  A laboratory experiment was conducted.
• How were participants grouped in Bandura's study?

  Participants were matched based on their natural levels of aggression.
• What did children in the 'aggressive' condition observe in Bandura's study?

  They saw an adult attack a 'Bobo doll'.
• What was the outcome for children after being frustrated in Bandura's study?

  They were put in a play situation to see how they would react.
• What were the main findings of Bandura's 1961 study?

  • Children in the aggressive condition acted more aggressively.
  • Boys were more likely to imitate same-sex role models.
  • Boys imitated more physical aggression than girls.
• What conclusion can be drawn from Bandura's study regarding Social Learning Theory?

  It supports SLT as children observed and imitated aggressive acts.
• What was identified as a potential reason for gender differences in aggression in Bandura's study?

  Expectations the children had regarding how they were expected to behave.
• What was the independent variable (IV) in Bandura's Bobo doll study?

  The condition of the adult model (aggressive or non-aggressive).
• What was the dependent variable (DV) in Bandura's Bobo doll study?

  The level of aggression displayed by the children.
• How did Bandura control his study effectively?

  He used a laboratory setting to minimize extraneous variables.
• Why is testing only on children considered a limitation of Bandura's study?

  It may not generalize to adults or other age groups.
• What are demand characteristics in the context of Bandura's study?

  Participants may have modified their behavior based on what they thought was expected.
• What did Bandura, Ross, and Ross (1963) study regarding vicarious reinforcement?

  • Children watched Rocky and Johnny in three conditions:

  1. Rocky attacked Johnny for toys (positive reinforcement).
  2. Johnny fought back, leading to Rocky's punishment.
  3. Control group saw peaceful play.
• What does vicarious reinforcement suggest about behavior imitation?

  We are more likely to imitate behavior if we see positive consequences.
• What are the strengths of Social Learning Theory?

  • Useful applications in crime prevention.
  • Takes cognitive factors into account.
  • Demonstrates reciprocal determinism.
  • Effective identification in campaigns.
• What are the limitations of Social Learning Theory?

  • Issues with causality (e.g., delinquent peer groups).
  • Supporting research lacks ecological validity.