Social learning approach

• What does the specification require you to know about social learning theory?

  Imitation, identification, modelling, and Bandura's research
• What is Bandura's view on the influence of genetics on behavior?

  He does not regard genetics as influential
• How does social learning theory explain how people learn?

  Through observing others and their consequences
• What types of conditioning does SLT believe in?

  Classical, operant, and vicarious conditioning
• What are mediational processes in social learning theory?

  Cognitive processes between stimulus and response
• Why do social learning theorists prefer lab-based experiments?

  To study behavior objectively and scientifically
• What are the key terms related to how children learn new behaviors in SLT?

  • Modelling: Performing the behavior to be learned
  • Identification: Relating to and wanting to be like a model
  • Imitation: Copying the behavior of others
• What is a model in social learning theory?

  Someone who performs the behavior to be learned
• What types of models exist in social learning theory?

  Live models and symbolic models
• What is identification in the context of SLT?

  The extent to which an individual relates to a model
• What factors determine if a behavior is imitated?

  Model's characteristics, observer's ability, consequences
• What is vicarious reinforcement?

  Reinforcement observed through someone else
• How does observing a model being rewarded affect behavior?

  Increases likelihood of imitating that behavior
• What are the four mediational processes identified by Bandura?

  Attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation
• What does attention refer to in Bandura's mediational processes?

  Noticing and focusing on the model's behavior
• What does retention mean in the context of SLT?

  Remembering what has been observed
• What is motor reproduction in SLT?

  The ability to perform the observed behavior
• What does motivation refer to in Bandura's mediational processes?

  Having a reason to demonstrate the observed behavior
• What is the overall evaluation of the social learning theory approach?

  • Less deterministic than behaviorism
  • Cognitive processes allow choice in imitation
  • Parents can influence children's exposure to role models
• What is a strength of social learning theory regarding behavior control?

  It allows for some free will in behavior
• What does reciprocal determinism mean in Bandura's theory?

  We influence ourselves through our behavior choices
• How can social learning theory be applied in real life?

  • Explains prosocial and antisocial behavior
  • Parents can model positive behaviors
  • Helps reduce exposure to negative role models
• What is a limitation of parents trying to control children's exposure to role models?

  Negative role models are pervasive in media
• What method does social learning theory share with behaviorism?

  Commitment to the scientific method
• What is a lab experiment in the context of SLT research?

  An experiment in a controlled environment
• What was the aim of Bandura et al (1961) study?

  To demonstrate observational or imitative learning
• What was the method used in Bandura's study with children?

  Children observed an adult behaving aggressively
• What were the results of Bandura's study regarding aggression?

  Children imitated aggressive behavior towards the doll
• What did Bandura's second study show about consequences of aggression?

  Children imitated aggression more if rewarded
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Bandura's research study?

  Strengths:

  • High control over variables
  • Establishes cause and effect relationships

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Artificial setting reduces ecological validity
  • Demand characteristics may affect results
• What ethical issue arises from using children in research?

  Children cannot give informed consent
• What did Bandura's research change about previous beliefs on aggression?

  It showed exposure to aggressive models increases aggression
• What does the biological approach focus on?

  Influence of genes, structures, and neurochemistry
• What are genotype and phenotype in the biological approach?

  Genotype: genetic makeup; Phenotype: observable traits