Social Learning Theory

• What is social learning theory?

  Learning through observing role models who we identify with and imitating behaviours that are rewarded
• Define imitation

  When an individual observes the behaviour of a role model and copies it
• Define identification

  When an individual is influenced by another because they are in some way similar or wish to be like them, e.g age, higher status, gender
• Define modelling

  A form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual performing that behaviour
• Define vicarious reinforcement

  Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour
• State and describe the study which demonstrates the role of SLT on aggressive behaviour in children

  Bandura et al. (1961): x Studied 3-5 year olds x He found that the children imitated exactly what they saw the adults do - they behaved aggressively towards the bobo doll. More likely to imitate same-sex model
• State and describe the 2nd study carried out by Bandura which shows influence of vicarious reinforcement on aggressive behaviour in children

  Bandura et al. (1963): x Saw a model being rewarded, punished, or experiencing no consequences for aggressive behavior towards a Bobo doll. x Found that children showed less similar behavior toward the bobo doll when they were shown the clip that ended with the punishment compared to the other conditions
• Why is SLT described as the bridge between traditional learning theory (behaviourism) and cognitive approach?

  x Focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning x Individuals do not just automatically imitate a behavior - there is some thought prior to imitation x These mental factors mediate (intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.
• State the 4 mediational processes involved when deciding whether to imitate behaviour

  1, Attention - notice certain behaviour 2, Retention - how well it is remembered 3, Motor reproduction - ability to perform behaviour 4, Motivation - behaviour will be performed if expectation of a positive consequence is greater than the expectations of a negative consequence.