Social learning

• Who developed Social Learning Theory (SLT) and when?

  Albert Bandura in the 1960s.
• What does Social Learning Theory propose?

  Bandura suggested that new behaviours can be acquired through observational learning — by watching and imitating the behaviour of role models, even without direct reinforcement (The learner does not need to be rewarded or punished directly. Instead, they watch what happens to someone else and learn from that.).
• Explain what Bandura meant by observational learning, including the role of reinforcement.

  Bandura suggested that people can learn new behaviours by observing others, rather than through direct experience. This is known as observational learning, where individuals watch a role model perform a behaviour. They may then imitate the behaviour, especially if the role model is rewarded — this is called vicarious reinforcement. Even if the observer isn’t directly reinforced themselves, seeing someone else rewarded can increase the likelihood they will copy the behaviour.
• What are the four mediational processes identified by Bandura?

  Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation.
• What does “modelling” mean in Social Learning Theory?

  (To model behaviour is to demonstrate it). It refers to when an individual (model) demonstrates a behaviour that may be observed and imitated by others. However not all models demonstrating social behaviours are imitated.
• What makes a model more likely to be imitated?

  If they are the same sex and age, are likeable, physically attractive, and appear to have high social status.
• Why do these characteristics make imitation more likely?

  Because they increase the observer’s identification with the model (i.e., the observer admires and wants to be like them) and therefore imitates their behaviour.
• What is observation in Social Learning Theory?

  Observation is an active process in which the observer chooses to focus their attention on the modelled behaviour and watch it.
• What is imitation in SLT?

  Imitation is copying observed behaviour. In social learning theory imitation is the most important mechanism of learning. Once behaviour has been observed and stored it can be reproduced whenever the situation is appropriate.
• Describe the conditions under which imitation is likely to occur, according to Social Learning Theory

  Imitation is likely to occur when the observed behaviour is retained by the observer, meaning they can remember what they saw. Additionally, the situation must be appropriate, meaning the observer has the chance and ability to reproduce the behaviour. Finally, the observer must be motivated to imitate the behaviour, which could be because they expect a reward, admire the role model, or have seen someone else being rewarded for the same behaviour (vicarious reinforcement).
• What is vicarious reinforcement in Social Learning Theory?

  It occurs when an observer sees a model being reinforced (rewarded) for a behaviour, which increases the likelihood of the observer imitating that behaviour.
• How does vicarious reinforcement differ from direct reinforcement?

  Direct reinforcement happens when an individual is reinforced immediately after performing a behaviour, whereas vicarious reinforcement involves the observer seeing the model receive a reward.
• What does reinforcement do in SLT?

  Reinforcement increases the probability of a behaviour being repeated, either through direct or vicarious processes.
• LEARNING BY OBSERVATION

  Observational learning takes place in 4 steps:

  1. The behaviour must be modelled which means it must be carried out by a role model like a parent, friend or celebrity.
  2. The observer must identify with the role model – normally because they are similar in appearance, gender, interests, etc
  3. The behaviour must be observed

  • Attention: you must be attending to the behaviour
  • Retention: you must retain it in your memory. Its repeatedly shown to you
  • Reproduction: you must be capable of carrying out the behaviour in an appropriate situation
  • Motivation: you must have a reason to carry out the behaviour (eg a reward, compliment)~