AO1

• Suggests behaviour is learned via observation and imitation of influential role models in the environment.
• Models are more likely to be imitated if the child/adult identifies with them in some way, if the model is similar to them e.g. gender/age. If the model is powerful or influential e.g. celebrity.
• Identification is the connection between a child (observer) and a role model (to be imitated) which is often based on perceived similarity
• Vicarious reinforcement is learning through observing the consequences of role models behaviour in terms of reward. Imitation is likely for same reward
• SLT is often described as the’ bridge’ between behaviourism and the cognitive approach because it focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning. These mental factors mediate (intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired
• The four processes of social learning theory are attention, retention, reproduction and motivation
• Attention – model must be observed and attended to for the behaviour to then be imitate
• Retention – behaviour is remembered and placed in long term memory so it can be retrieved in future.
• Production – observer must be able to replicate the behaviour. Thinking whether replication is achievable
• Motivation – observer must want to imitate the behaviour