social learning theory

• SLT assumptions?

  Albert Bandura agreed with the behaviorists that much of our behaviour is learned from experience. However, the SLT proposed a different way in which people learn: through observation & imitation of others within a social context. SLT suggested that learning occurs directly, through classical and operant conditioning, but also indirectly.
• what is vicarious reinforcement?

  SLT suggests that behaviour is learned through observation and imitation but the behaviour needs to be rewarded for it occur. The Importance of observing the consequence of the behaviour, as it makes us want to imitate in anticipation of a similar reward
• what is identification?

  People more likely to imitate the behaviour of role models, a process called modelling. Person becomes role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and/or are attractive or have high status. Don't need to be physically present in the room, important implications for the influence of media on behavior
• what are mediational processes?

  mental factors are involved in acquiring and producing new behaviours -> if these factors are implemented, learning and imitation can take place

  There are 4 mediational processes:

  1. attention-> to what extent the behaviour was noticed
  2. retention-> how well the behaviour was remembered
  3. motor reproduction-> how able is the observer to reproduce the behaviour
  4. motivation> the will to carry out the behaviour observed. usually determined by whether it was punished or not
• Ev for SLT: scientific credibility

  strength: SLT supported by scientific research, e.g. Bandura’s Bobo doll exp in highly controlled lab setting.

  -standardised procedures -> reliability, and cause & effect relationships, enhancing SLT scientific validity.

  C: However, artificial lab setting reduces ecological validity, aggression towards a doll may not reflect real-life behaviour.

  -demand characteristics-> children may have simply behaved as expected, lowering internal validity.

  —>while SLT scientific basis enhances credibility, its contrived setting limits real-world applicability.
• Ev for SLT: cognitive factors

  strength: SLT recognises cog processes, unlike behaviourism- only considers observable behaviour.

  -meditational processes: explain why some behaviours are imitated/others are not.

  -more comprehensive than conditioning theories, as learning through observation prevents trial-and-error learning.

  C: SLT underestimates biological infl e.g., Bobo doll study->boys more aggressive than girls, possibly due to higher testosterone levels.

  —>suggests bio factors also shape behaviour, meaning SLT alone lacks explanatory power, should be combined with bio approaches.
• Ev for SLT: less deterministic than behaviourism

  strength: SLT is less deterministic than behaviourism

  -SLT supports reciprocal determinism: we are influenced by the environment but also exert control over it through our choices.

  -emphasises free will more than behaviourism, which claims all behaviour is shaped by external forces.

  -mediational processes: allow individuals to plan, store, and reflect on behaviour rather than simply responding to stimuli.

  —>provides a more flexible, realistic explanation of human learning than the rigid determinism of behaviourism.