Social Learning Theory

• What does social learning theory say?


  We learn by observing
• What does social learning theory place importance on?


  mediational processes
• What are mediational processes?


  Go between stimulus and responseThey involve though processes
• Key concepts in social learning theory

  ImitationIdentification Modelling Vicarious reinforcement
• Social learning theory - Imitation

  The act of using someone as a model and copying their behaviour
• Social learning theory - Identification


  When someone is influenced by another as they wish to be like them
• Social learning theory - modeling

  When individuals learn how to do a behaviour by watching someone perform that behaviour
• Social learning theory - 4 mediational processes in observational learning

  AttentionRetention Reproductionmotivation
• SLT - Mediational processes - Attention


  We must pay attention to the model
• SLT - Mediational processes - Retention


  We must memorise the models actions
• SLT - Mediational processes - Reproduction


  We must physically be capable of reproducing the models actions
• SLT - Mediational processes - Motivation


  We must be motivated to perform the models actions
• Who conducted the BOBO doll study (1961)?

  Badura, Ross and Ross
• BOBO doll study - Aim

  To examine imitative learning of aggression in children
• BOBO doll study - Method

  72 nursery - 36 boys/36 girlsSpilt into 8 groups, four exposed to aggressive role models and the other four to non-aggressive Children observed for imitation of aggression
• BOBO doll study - Results

  Those exposed to aggressive role models displayed more aggressive behaviour Boys show more physical aggression girls show more verbal aggressionMore imitation based on same sex role models
• BOBO doll study - Conclusion

  Aggression can be learnt from role-modelling behaviour
• BOBO doll study/SLT - Strengths

  Uses scientific method Takes into account thought processes to explain behaviour Real world applications
• BOBO doll study/SLT - Weakness

  Study took place in an artificial environment - lacks ecological validityCan't explain all behaviours like when there is no role modelsIgnores personality differences