Social Learning Theory

• What is the main focus of social learning theory?

  Learning through observation and imitation
• Who conducted the Bobo doll experiment?

  Albert Bandura
• What were the three conditions in Bandura's Bobo doll study?

  1. Aggressive model
  2. Non-aggressive model
  3. Control group (no model)
• How many children participated in Bandura's study?

  72 children
• What behavior did children in the aggressive condition display?

  Higher levels of aggressive behavior
• Which gender was found to be more physically aggressive in Bandura's study?

  Boys
• What conclusion did Bandura draw from his study?

  Behavior can be learned by observation
• What are the strengths of Bandura's research methods?

  • Precise control of variables
  • Establishes cause and effect
  • Standardized procedures for replication
• What are the four mediating processes in social learning theory?

  1. Attention
  2. Retention
  3. Reproduction
  4. Motivation
• How does attention affect learning in social learning theory?

  It determines if a behavior is noticed
• What role does retention play in social learning theory?

  It affects how well behavior is remembered
• What does reproduction refer to in social learning theory?

  The ability to perform the observed behavior
• What does motivation indicate in social learning theory?

  The will to perform the behavior
• What supporting evidence exists for social learning theory?

  • Bandura et al (1965) study
  • Evidence for observational learning
  • Children imitated aggressive behavior
• Why is Bandura's research considered scientific?

  • Controlled studies
  • Objective and replicable
  • Manipulated IV and measured DV
• What do mediational factors contribute to in social learning theory?

  • Importance of cognitions
  • Memory and attention considered
  • Explains delayed imitation
• What is a criticism of social learning theory regarding biology?

  It underestimates biological influences
• How might mirror neurons relate to social learning theory?

  They enable empathy and imitation
• What was observed about boys' aggression in the Bobo doll study?

  Boys were more aggressive than girls
• In what areas can social learning theory be applied?

  • Education
  • Aggression
  • Gender behavior
• What limitation does social learning theory have regarding behavior without observation?

  It cannot explain behavior without role models
• What implications arise from Bandura's work on social learning theory?

  • Unusual situations in studies
  • Short-term effects observed
  • Bobo doll not representative of real aggression
• What does reciprocal determinism in Bandura's theory suggest?

  • Environment influences thoughts and behavior
  • Behavior impacts the environment
  • Thoughts affect feelings and actions