Social Learning Theory

• Social learning theory is similar to the behaviourist approach

  as they both assume that most behaviour is learned

  However, SLT assumes that we can learn through observation

  which is not assumed in the behaviourist approach
• social learning theory assumes observational learning

  involves imitating a role models modelled behaviour, who you identify with
• there are three factors that determine whether you imitate a behaviour or not

  • identification - people are more likely to imitate a role model if they feel similar to them
  • vicarious reinforcement - someone is more likely to imitate a role model's behaviour if they see them being rewarded for that behaviour
  • vicarious punishment - someone is less likely to imitate a role model's behaviour is they see them being punished for that behaviour
• social leaning theory also assumes that mediational processes are involved in observational learning

  • attention - the extent to which we notice behaviours
  • retention - how well the behaviour is remembered
  • reproduction - to have the ability to physically perform that behaviour
  • motivation - the will to actually perform that behaviour (which is usually determined by vicarious reinforcement or punishment)
• Bandura's first study: observational learning in children

  • put children in a room with multiple toys, including one called 'bobo'
  • children were split into three groups
  • 1 - watched an adult model aggressive behaviour
  • 2 - watched an adult model non-aggressive behaviour
  • 3 - didnt watch an adult at all
  • found that the children were more likely to behave aggressively if they had seen an adult also behave aggressively towards the doll
  • also found that boys were more likely to imitate if the adult was the same gender
• Bandura's second study: vicarious reinforcement

  • found that children were more likely to imitate someone if the role model had been given a reward, as compared to when they were punished
• Real world application of SLT

  Social learning theory provides an explanation for cultural differences in behaviour

  modelling, imitation and reinforcement can account for how children learn from the people around them, including the media

  but this can also explain how cultural norms are transmitted
• Limitation

  • you cant use the scientific method to study mediational processes
  • they are not observable
  • this means that you cant truly test for a cause and effect relationship and cant make reliable predictions about observational learning