Social learning theory AO3

• Takes into account cognitive factors. Acknowledges the role of mediational processes, suggesting that humans weigh up the pros and cons of an action before imitating the behaviour. Is less reductionist compared to other approaches and is a more detailed explanation of behaviour in comparison to classical and operant conditioning.
• strength - explains cultural differences - UK wave hello, Japanese bow. Has cultural relativism, accounts for how children learn from around them and the media - not culturally biased
• weakness - ignores biological factors - Bandura's research found tha boys were more aggressive. This is due to increased levels of testosterone which isn't considered in SLT - approach cannot be considered alone, so must be considered holistically
• weakness - has an over reliance on nomothetic methods - highly controlled settings - explain demand characteristics and how the kids in the bobo doll study were affected - low ecological validity and demand characteristics can occur