Social learning theory

• What does social learning theory suggest about learning?

  Learning can occur without reinforcement
• What does social learning theory suggest about behavior acquisition?

  Behaviors can be learned through observation
• What was the aim of Bandura's Bobo doll experiment?

  To investigate imitation of role models
• What behavior did children exhibit after observing aggressive actions towards the Bobo doll?

  They imitated similar aggressive behaviors
• What is modeling in the context of social learning theory?

  Copying the behavior of a role model
• What is vicarious reinforcement?

  Learning through observing others' experiences
• What are some strengths of social learning theory?

  It emphasizes environment and role models
• What is a weakness of experiments in social learning theory?

  They may not reflect real-life behavior
• What does low ecological validity imply about a study?

  Results may not generalize to real life
• What is the first step in the process of copying behavior?

  Paying attention
• What can people learn by watching role models?

  Behaviours
• Why is the assumption that people learn by observation criticized?

  It is too deterministic
• What does social learning theory propose about behaviour acquisition?

  • Behaviours can be learned through observation
  • Imitation of role models is key
• What does social learning theory suggest about reinforcement?

  Learning can occur without reinforcement
• The mediational processes on why we copy behaviour

  A attention

  R retention

  M motivation

  S skills
• What is modelling according to Bandura?

  Copying the behaviour of a role model
• What does vicarious reinforcement involve?

  Observing someone being reinforced for behaviour
• How does Bandura propose we learn through vicarious reinforcement?

  We imitate others to receive praise
• What are the strengths of Social Learning Theory (SLT)?

  • Investigated using scientific experiments
  • Emphasises the importance of environment and role models
  • Explains learning of behaviours like aggression
• What are the weaknesses of Social Learning Theory (SLT)?

  • Experiments may not reflect real-life behaviour
  • Ignores nature and biological factors
  • Too simplistic, other explanations for aggression exist
• What research method is primarily used by SLT?

  Lab observations
• What are the strengths of lab observations in SLT research?

  • High control of extraneous variables
  • High replicability of results
• How does SLT explain the development of phobias?

  Through observation and imitation of role models
• What is the eclectic approach in SLT?

  • Combines behaviourism and cognitive approaches
• What limitation does SLT have regarding the origin of behaviour?

  It does not explain where behaviour starts
• What are the limitations of SLT regarding ecological validity?

  1. Low ecological validity due to lab settings
  2. Creates false behaviour in children
• What are demand characteristics in lab settings?

  Participants behave differently knowing they are observed