A01

• What is social learning theory?

  Learning through observing role models who we identify with and imitating behaviours that are rewarded
• Define imitation

  When an individual observes the behaviour of a role model and copies it
• Define identification

  When an individual is influenced by another because they are in some way similar or wish to be like them - e.g. age, higher status, gender
• Define modelling

  A form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual performing that behaviour
• Define vicarious reinforcement

  Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour
• Why is SLT described as the bridge between traditional learning theory (behaviourism) and cognitive approach ?

  - Focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning

  - Individuals do not just automatically imitate a behaviour, there is some thought prior to imitation

  - These mental factors mediate (intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired
• State the four mediational processes involved when deciding whether to imitate behaviour

  1. Attention - noticing certain behaviour
  2. Retention - how well it is remembered
  3. Motor reproduction - ability to perform behaviour
  4. Motivation - behaviour will be performed if expectation of a positive consequence is greater than the expectations of a negative consequence
• State and describe the study which demonstrates the role of SLT on aggressive behaviour in children

  Bandura et al. (1961):

  • 72 nursery aged children watched an adult model either play aggressively with a bobo doll or play quietly with other toys
  • Found that the children who observed the adult model play aggressively imitated the exact same aggressive behaviour toward the bobo doll
  • Boys were more likely to engage in physical aggression
  • Verbal aggression was sex-typed
• State and describe the study which shows the influence of vicarious reinforcement on aggressive behaviour in children

  Bandura (1965):

  • Saw a model being rewarded, punished, or experience no consequence for aggressive behaviour towards a bobo doll
  • Found that children who observed the model be praised, or experience no consequence, were more likely to act aggressively toward bobo doll