social learning theory

• What are the basic assumptions of the social learning theory


  • behaviour is learned through experience - empiricism
  • learning can occur directly or indirectly
  • learning occurs through observation
• What are the ways children learn to behave?

  • identification
  • imitation
  • modeling
  • vicarious reinforcement
• What is the definition of identification in the social learning theory?


  children recognise someone as their role model because they possess similar or desirable qualities
• What is the definition of imitation in the social learning theory?


  children observe a role model's behaviour and imitates it
• What is the definition of modeling in the social learning theory?


  children imitating the behaviour of their role model

  • also recognises cognitive processes
• What is the definition of vicarious reinforcement in the social learning theory?


  children do not receive a reward/punishment themselves but see their role model being rewarded/punished for their behaviour
• What is the definition of self-efficacy?


  peoples belief they can perform behaviours that will produce a desired outcome

  • key motivational factor
• What is the definition of attention in the social learning theory?


  individuals need to pay attention to behaviour and consequences
• What is the definition of retention in the social learning theory?


  individual stores the observed behaviour in long-term memory

  • not always immediate immiation
• What is the definition of reproduction in the social learning theory?


  individual must be able to / have the ability to reproduce observed behaviour
• What is the definition of motivation in the social learning theory?


  the individual expects to receive the same positive reinforcement for imitating the observed behaviour
• What are the factors that affect the imitation of behaviour?

  • attention
  • retention
  • reproduction
  • motivation