social learning theory

• social learning theory assumptions

  -the belief that people are shaped by their environments through learning processes

  -observational learning (modelling) = acquire new behaviours without the need for reinforcement or shaping > observation and imitation
• what are mediational processes?

  mental processes that intervene in the learning process to determine if the new behaviour is acquired or not
• mediational processes and their aims

  A = attention - paying attention to the model

  R = retention - to encode and form a memory to imitate

  R = motor reproduction - practicing the behaviour

  M = motivation - will only use the behaviour if they're motivated
• vicarious reinforcement?


  more likely to imitate someone if the model is being rewarded
• identification?


  more likely to imitate someone if the observer sees the model as similar to themself
• what study supports social learning theory?

  banduras bobo doll
• banduras bobo doll study


  -done with pre school children

  • aggressive model condition - adult model playing physically and verbally aggressive with the doll
  • non-aggressive model condition - adult model playing peacefully
  • control condition - no adult model
• banduras bobo doll study findings

  -aggressive model condition:

  • more imitated aggressive play
  • more non imitated aggressive play (gun)
• banduras bobo doll follow up

  vicarious reinforcement - model rewarded with sweets

  punishment - model scolded
• banduras bobo doll AO3 - scientific method

  -replicability = lab controlled settings allow the same results to be achieved
• banduras bobo doll AO3 - irl application, role models study


  =role models are an important influence on behaviour

  • children who are very aggressive are raised in homes of high levels of aggression

  -many government health campaigns have used social learning theory concepts
• banduras bobo doll AO3 - ethical issues + weakness

  ethical issues:

  • psychological harm = exposing children to aggressive behaviour could distress them or cause them to keep these tendencies
  • ecological validity = artificial setting + task (wouldnt usually be put in a room to be observed + its a doll)
  • population validity = done on children, cant generalise

  weakness = might just be frustrated that they cant knock it down leading to aggression, not imitation
• banduras bobo doll AO3 - ignores biological factors


  -MAOA gene

  -testosterone in men

  =proven to influence aggression