Social Learning Theory

• Social Learning Theory


  Bandura believed people learnt behaviour in a social context through observation of other people and the reinforcement or punishment they receive.
• Stages of Social Learning Theory


  Identification

  Modelling

  Vicarious Reinforcement
• Identification


  Observer associates themselves with a role model because they idolises them and their behaviour
• Modelling


  the process of observing and imitating a specific behaviour
• Vicarious Reinforcement


  Imitation is more likely to occur if the model is positively reinforced for their behaviour
• Mediational Processes


  Attention: The extent to which we are exposed/notice the behaviour.

  
  

  Retention: How well the behaviour is remembered

  
  

  Reproduction: This is the ability to perform the behaviour that the model has just demonstrated

  
  

  Motivation: The will to perform the behaviour.
• SLT: Supporting Evidence (Strength)


  Supporting evidence from controlled research that demonstrates social learning occuring
• SLT: Focus on Cognitive Processes (Strength)


  Emphasises role of mediational processes. This means the approach suggests people have more free will over their behaviour.
• SLT: Cultural Differences Accounted For (Strength)


  Explains differences observed across different cultures. This adds credibility to the theory as an explanation of human behaviour.
• SLT: Unrealistic Evidence (Weakness)


  Lacks ecological validity due to the controlled environment. This limits the conclusions that can be drawn about social learning in the real-world
• SLT: Biological Roles Ignored (Weakness)


  Emphasises environmental impact. Doesn't account for biological factors eg. gender difference. This means it is not a complete explanation for behaviour.