Social learning theory - psychology

• assumption 1 of SLT: people learn new behaviour through observation and imitation of others in social contexts
• assumption 2 of SLT: behaviour is more likely to be imitated and adopted if the observed behaviour brings a positive observable outcome.
• modelling is when an observer imitates the behaviour of a role model and then copies their behaviour. This is more likely to occur if the observer identifies with the role model.
• identification is when an individual adopts behaviours shown by a role model because they have qualities they want to possess.
• identification is more likely to occur if the model is similar (same age or gender) to the observer or an authority figure (influential).
• KEY RESEARCH - Bandura (1961): aggressive and non-aggressive adult models, children exposed to aggressive model imitated aggressive behaviour (physical and verbal) to the Bobo doll. none of the children exposed to the other model showed signs of aggression. If the aggressive model was rewarded, the children were found to play more aggressively on their own.
• vicarious reinforcement is learning by observing the consequences of a model's actions in terms of reward and punishment.
• Behaviour that brings reward/reinforcement is most likely to be imitated. The observer must identify with the model first.
• The four mediational processes are: Attention, Retention, Reproduction and Motivation. All four criteria must be met for imitation to occur.
• A03 (Akers):

  P: applicable to social situations.

  E: applied to explain criminal behaviour.

  E: Akers (1998) likelihood of criminal behaviour increases when exposed to models, and an expectation of positive consequences develops.

  L: has high ecological validity as the study was conducted in a real-life situation.
• A03 (Fox and Bailenson):

  P: research support for SLT

  E: observation of a similar model increases learning more than a dissimilar model

  E: Fox and Bailenson (2009) computer models - ppts did more exercise having similar-looking models than ppts with dissimilar models.

  L: proves the effect of identification on behaviour and imitation, validity of study.
• What did Akers find in his study?

  that criminal behaviour increases when exposed to models, expect positive consequences
• what did fox and bailenson's study involve?

  computer generated models
• AO3 (Siegel and McCormick)

  P: problem of establishing causality

  E: criticism of SLT explanations for deviant behaviour

  E: Siegel and McCormick - deviant youths seek others like themselves, similar attitudes.

  L: deviancy explained not by SLT and role models but by prior attitudes.
• what was a limitation of SLT? (hint: siegel)

  problem of establishing causality
• AO3 limitation

  P: oversimplistic explanation

  E: other potential influences are ignored or disregarded

  E: child experiences influences that all interact (media portrayals, locus of control, etc)

  L: problem for researchers, the study cannot be fully controlled, extraneous variables and influences constantly in play.