social learning theory

• What is the main focus of the social learning theory (SLT)?

  To understand behavior through imitation
• What was the purpose of Albert Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment?

  To explain how children learn social behavior through observation
• What are the key components of social learning theory as outlined in the study material?

  • Learning by association (Classical Conditioning)
  • Learning through consequences (Operant Conditioning)
  • Learning through imitation (Social Learning Theory)
  • Vicarious reinforcement
• What does vicarious reinforcement refer to in social learning theory?


  Learning that occurs by observing the rewards or punishments of others
• In what situation is imitation most likely to occur according to social learning theory?

  When the observed behavior is rewarded rather than punished
• What are the mediational processes that influence imitation according to Bandura?


  • Attention: Noticing the model
  • Retention: Remembering the behavior
  • Motor reproduction: Ability to replicate the behavior
  • Motivation: Desire to imitate based on perceived rewards
• What characteristics of a model can influence attention and imitation?

  High status, similarity, familiarity, observability, and belief
• How might the case of Elizabeth Thomas relate to social learning theory?

  Her murderer may have imitated behaviors observed from a model
• How many children participated in Bandura's Bobo doll experiment?

  72 children
• What types of models were children exposed to in Bandura's experiment?

  Aggressive and non-aggressive models
• What was the main finding regarding boys' behavior in Bandura's study?

  Boys were more likely to imitate same-sex models than girls
• What did Bandura conclude from the Bobo doll experiment?

  Children learn social behavior such as aggression through observational learning
• How do mediational processes apply to Carissa's knitting experience?

  • Attention: Carissa pays attention to her aunt's knitting
  • Retention: She remembers how her aunt holds the needles
  • Motor reproduction: She thinks she can replicate the actions
  • Motivation: She wants her knitting to be neat and accurate
• What is one of the mediational processes involved in learning behavior according to Bandura?

  Attention
• Why is it important for Carissa to assess her own competence in knitting?

  It helps her determine if she can replicate her aunt's actions
• How does Carissa's motivation influence her learning process?

  She is motivated to imitate her aunt to achieve neat and accurate knitting
• What is the role of the Bobo doll in Bandura's experiment?

  It served as a tool to observe children's imitative behavior
• What does the control group in Bandura's study help to establish?

  It helps to compare the effects of observing a model versus not observing one
• How did the use of a one-way mirror benefit Bandura's research?

  It allowed for unobtrusive observation of children's behavior
• What distinction did Bandura make between aggressive and non-aggressive behavior?

  Aggressive behavior was imitated more than non-aggressive behavior