SLT

• The SLT differs from the other learning theories as it suggests there are internal mental processes (cognitions) that must be present for learning to occur. These mental process are called mediational factors
• SLT is based on the idea that we have an innate drive to make sense of our environment, which leads us to construct meaning through cognitive processing.
• mediational factors are mental cognitive processes. Mental cognitive processes need to take place between a stimulus and a response (behaviour)
• SLT was pioneered by Albert Bandura. He agreed with behaviourists that much of out experience is learnt through direct experience.
• Assumptions: 1)Behaviour is learnt through experience 2)learning can occur directly or indirectly 3)people learn through classical and operant conditioning 4)people learn through observation and imitation of role models and that happens via vicarious reinforcement and with the help of mediational processes
• One way children learn to behave is through vicarious reinforcement.
• Vicarious reinforcement is when behaviour is learned to observation+imitation but that behaviour only occurs if it is seen to be rewarded; we anticipate a similar reward
• One way children learn to behave is through identification. We imitate people with similar characteristics or people with high status, attractiveness etc.
• Children learn to behave my modelling. They imitate the the behaviour of their role model
• Children learn behaviour through imitation. They observe a role models behaviour and copy it
• Mediational processes are cognitive processes involved in the learning and production of new behaviours
• The first mediational process is attention. The behaviour is produced depending on what extent the behaviour was noticed.
• Factors that may affect an observers attention would be how interesting the model is or the cognitive ability of the observer
• The second mediational process is retention. This is how well a behaviour is remembered; some behaviours are complex and may not be able to be retained
• The third mediational process is motivation. The will to carry out a behaviour. Anticipated reward or punishments can influence if the observer decides to reproduce the behaviour
• The final mediational process is motor reproduction. How able the observer can reproduce the behaviour. They may not be due to a lack of skill or resources.