Social Learning theory

• what is the social learning theory 


  Way of explaining behaviour that includes direct and indirect reinforcement
• SLT assumptions 


  People learn via observations and imitation of others (Bandura)
• vicarious reinforcement 


  Learning that occurs when an individual observes others behaviour

  • Learner only imitates that behaviour if it results in a reward rather than a punishment
• The role of meditational processes 


  Refer to internal mental processes that exist between environmental stimuli and the individuals response

  Bandura identified 4 meditational processes:

  1. attention
  2. Retention
  3. Motor reproduction
  4. Motivation
• Identification 


  Form of influence where an individual adopts behaviour to be associated with a person (role model)

  • A person becomes a role model if they have similar characteristics to the ovserver
• SLT strength

  • P- Cognitive factors
  • — provides comprehensive explanation of human learning
• SLT limitation

  • P- lab studies
  • L- tells us little on how children really learn aggression in everyday life
• SLT strength 2

  • P- real world application
  • L- increases value of the approach as it can account for real world behaviour