Social Learning Theory

• key assumptions of SLT

  - behaviour is learnt through role models, via reward and punishment

  - focuses on learning in a social context due to exposure to others behaviour
• define imitation; SLT

  - others behaviour is observed, if behaviour is rewarded we are more likely to reproduce the behaviour (vicarious reinforcement), less likely to replicate if observe negative consequences (vicarious punishment)
• state + define; mediational processes

  - attention: see

  - retention: remember

  - reproduction: ablility to replicate

  - motivation: do the rewards outweigh the cost
• outline Bandura: bobo dolls


  - 72, 3-5 yr olds, children matched on levels of aggression

  - watched videos of adults interacting aggressively/non-aggressively with a bobo doll

  - aggression imitated in group who watched aggressive adult model, other group not aggressive

  - effect stronger if adult same gender as child, suggesting identification

  - boys more aggressive than girls (genetic element? testosterone ?)
• A03, SLT

  - bandura's research used controlled variables and supports the theory, however issue of cause and effect

  - sees behaviour as environmentally determined, genetic component suggested by boys being more aggressive than girls