Social Learning Theory

• What does Social Learning Theory (SLT) propose about learning?

  We learn through observing and imitating role models.
• What is the process called when we learn by observing role models?

  Modelling
• What is vicarious reinforcement?

  It is when a learner sees a model rewarded for their actions and copies that behaviour.
• What is vicarious punishment?

  It is when a learner sees a model punished for a behaviour and decides not to copy it.
• What factors increase the likelihood of a behaviour being imitated from a role model?

  • Same gender as the observer
  • Similar age to the observer
  • High status or powerful
  • Friendly or likeable
• What does identification with a role model mean?

  It means the observer wishes to be like the model or sees themselves as similar to them.
• What are the mediational processes in Social Learning Theory?

  1. Attention - notice and grabs attention
  2. Retention - memorable
  3. Reproduction - does it themselves
  4. Motivation - reward/prize/pride
• Who conducted key research on Social Learning Theory in 1963?

  Albert Bandura
• What was the aim of Bandura's 1963 study?

  To see whether children will imitate aggressive behaviour after observing it.
• How many children participated in Bandura's study?

  72 children
• What were the age ranges of the children in Bandura's study?

  3 to 5 years old
• What did some children witness in Bandura's study?

  Some witnessed an aggressive role model and some witnessed a non-aggressive role model.
• What was done to frustrate the children in Bandura's study?

  They were taken to a room with toys but told they couldn't play with them.
• What were the findings of Bandura's study regarding aggressive behaviour?

  Children who witnessed an aggressive model behaved more aggressively than those who witnessed a non-aggressive model.
• Which gender showed more physical aggression in Bandura's study?

  Boys showed more physical aggression.
• What conclusion can be drawn from Bandura's study?

  Children will imitate aggressive behaviour from an adult role model.
• What was the focus of the study variation by Bandura & Walters in 1963?

  Children observed a role model playing aggressively with the Bobo doll and the consequences faced by the model.
• What were the three conditions in Bandura & Walters' study?

  Rewarded, punished, or no consequence (control group).
• What did the findings of Bandura & Walters' study indicate about aggression?

  Children who witnessed a model get rewarded had the highest level of aggression.
• What does the study by Bandura & Walters suggest about vicarious punishment and reinforcement?

  Vicarious punishment is more powerful than vicarious reinforcement.
• What are the strengths of Social Learning Theory (SLT)?

  • Practical applications in reducing aggression
  • Research through laboratory experiments offers control over variables
• How can SLT be applied practically?

  It can demonstrate the harmful effects of children playing violent video games.
• What is a strength of using laboratory experiments in SLT research?

  It allows control of other variables that could influence behaviour.
• What is a potential issue with laboratory research in SLT?

  There could be a lack of ecological validity due to artificial behaviour.
• What is a weakness of SLT regarding biological influences?

  It underestimates biological influences on behaviour, such as genes or hormones.
• What consistent finding was noted regarding aggression in boys and girls?

  Boys were found to be more aggressive than girls.
• What ethical issue is raised by Bandura's studies?

  Children could have experienced psychological harm by being encouraged to be aggressive.
• Why is it a weakness that children could be harmed in Bandura's studies?

  Children have a right to protection from harm, both physical and psychological.