Social Learning Theory

Cards (16)

  • Social learning theory: a way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
  • Modelling: from the observers view - imitating the behaviour of a role model, from the role models view - the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour
  • Imitation: copying the behaviour of others
  • vicarious reinforcement: reinforcement that is not directly experienced but has occurred through observation of someone else being reinforced for that behaviour
  • mediational processes: cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
  • identification: an observer choosing a role model and likening themselves to them via imitation
  • types of mediational processes:
    Attention, Retention, Motor reproduction, Motivation
  • the likelihood of a behaviour being imitated depends on:
    the models characteristics
    the observers belief in being able to imitate the behaviour
    the consequences of the behaviour previously observed
  • bandura 1961 sample :
    used 36 girls + 36 boys from Stanford nursery age 3 - 6, split into 3 groups
    Each child entered room 1 alone
    room 1 - toys and bobo doll
    room 2 - nice toys
    room 3 - aggresive toys + bobo doll
  • bandura group 1 :
    room 1 -saw the model ignore the bobo doll and play with other toys
    room 2 - were not allowed to play with the nice toys
    room 3 - ignored bobo played with other toys
  • bandura group 2:
    1 - shown clear easy aggressive actions towards bobo dolls
    2 - not allowed nice toys
    3 - displayed learnt and new aggressive behaviour towards bobo doll using other aggressive toys
  • bandura group 3:
    1 - saw no one
    2 - not allowed nice toys
    3 - played with other toys
  • the children were watched in room 3 through a 2 way mirror and their behaviour was monitored every 5 seconds.
  • bandura findings: boys were more aggressive than girls, but overall if shown the behaviour in room 1 the children would display the same behaviour in room 3
  • SLT strengths:
    emphasises cognitive factors - builds on behaviourism
    real world application - explains how cultural norms and gender roles are learnt
    less determinism - we exert an influence upon our environment by the behaviour we perform
  • slt weaknesses:
    x only lab based - lacks real world evidence, demand characteristics due to lab setting
    x no biological factors - hormones could explain findings in banduras tests
    x Low validity - the children may not have seen a bobo doll before so assumed that (violence) is how you play with one