social learning theory

• definition

  developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes importance of observation and emotional reactions. suggests we learn by watching and copying, especially if reinforced.
• Bobo doll experiment- 1961

  Bandura used 36 boys and 36 girls between ages 3-6 and split them into 3 equal groups. group 1 was a control group(see no adult). Group 2 exposed to aggressive adult. Group 3 exposed to a passive adult. They observed adults behaviour and were then taken to another room.
• bobo doll findings

  -children exposed to aggressive model were more likely to initiate same behaviour.

  -levels of verbal aggression were the same for boys and girls

  -boys were 3x more likely to replicate physically violent behaviour.
• Key terms

  imitation= copy behaviour of others

  role model= similar characteristics to the observer and admire them for their achievement.

  identification = observer associates themself with the role model.

  modelling= demonstrating a specific behaviour that can be imitated by the observer. The observer then models the behaviour.

  vicarious Reinforcement= observing someone else being rewarded for their behavior. If it is a role model an observer is more likely to replicate.
• mediational processes

  stimulus -> mental(mediational) -> response.

  attention= extent to which we notice the behaviour.

  retention= how well the behaviour is remembered.

  reproduction= the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.

  motivation= the will to perform the behaviour, determined by whether it is rewarded or punished.
• strengths

  1. teachers can use modelling and provide positive Reinforcement for good behaviour.
  2. therapists use modelling to help clients learn new behaviours
  3. marketers use celebrity endorsements to persuade consumers to buy their products (social influence)
  4. scientific evidence
• conclusion

  despite limitations, SLT remains an important framework for understanding how people learn and develop. It has been applied to a wide range of services such as education, parenting, therapy and marketing.