Social learning theory

• Bandura developed SLT in 1960s. It agrees with the idea people learn by conditioning but people also learn from role models
• Behaviour learnt through different process
• Modelling involves observing and imitating another person
• Modelling requires identification with the model where certain attractive qualities and characteristics are picked up
• Behaviour mediated through cognitive process

  • Attention
  • Retention (Need to remember what was observed)
  • Reproduction (Judge ability to reproduce behaviour)
  • Motivation (Evaluate direct or indirect results of imitating behaviour)
• Social learing theory is reductionist
• Bandura et al - Imitation of aggressive models - method

  • 36 girls and 36 boys
  • Matched Ps design and had 3 conditions
  • Children observed aggressive adult models playing with bobo dolls
  • Second, children observed non-aggressive models playing with other toys
  • Third, control conditioning children had no exposure to models.
  • Behaviour observed for 20 minutes
• Bandura et al - Imitation of aggressive models - Findings

  • Children exposed to aggressed models imitated behaviour
  • Children with non-aggressive models and control condition showed no aggressive behaviour
• Bandura et al - Imitation of aggressive models - Conclusion

  • Aggressive behaviour learnt through imitation of others behaving aggressively
• Bandura et al - Imitation of aggressive models - Evaluation

  • Strict control of variables = results reliable --> replicable
  • Low ecological validity, Ps not in natural situation
  • Difficult to generalise due to limited sample
  • Ethical problems
• Bandura shows reinforcement is not needed for learning.

  Learn just by observing
• Bobo doll was designed for aggressive play and was designed to be hit
• SLT emphasises the cause of the behaviour is a result of nurture
• Often difficult to conclude observational learning has taken place