social learning theory

• outline and evaluate the social learning theory 16 mks>>>

  - assumptions

  - vicarious reinforcement

  - role of mediational processes

  - identification

  - ao3 recognises the importance of cognitive factors + cp↓

  - ao3 contrived lab studies x

  - ao3 real world application

  - ao3 (xtra) reciprocal determinism

  - genotype and phenotype

  - evolution and behaviour
• assumptions>>>

  - Bandura agreed with the behvioursits that behaviour is learned from experience but his SLT suggested that through observation and imitations of others.

  - suggested that learning occurs directly and indirectly via classical and operant conditioning
• vicarious reinforcement>>>

  - vicarious reinforcement ~ reinforcement that's not directly experienced but occurs when observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. the key factor is imitation

  - for indirect learning to occur, individual observes the behaviour of others.

  - imitations only occurs if the behaviour seen is rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished i.e vicarious reinformcent occurs
• role of mediational processes>>> (1/2)

  • SLT is like the bridge between approaches because it focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning

  - mediational processes are ~ cognitive factors that influence learning and come between stimulus and response
• role of mediational processes>>> (2/3)

  • Bandura identified 4 meditational processes

  1. attention

  2. retention - how well behaviour is remembered

  3. motor reproduction -ability to perform behaviour , must have the motor skills to do so

  4. motivation- to perform the behaviour- this is determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished
• role of mediational processes>>>(3/3)

  the first 2 relate to learning the behaviour

  - the last 2 relate to the performance of the behaviour

  - unlike traditional behaviourism, learning and performance don't have to occur together - observed behaviour can be stored and reproduced later
• identification>>>

  • identificaiton~ when an observer associates themselves with a role model and want to be like them
  • people are more likely to imitate people they identify with (role models)
  • imitating their role model is called modelling - the behaviour of the role model is also considered modelling - modelling the desired behaviour for the observer
  • to become a role model:
  • have similar characteristics to observer
  • attractive
  • high status
  • role models may not necessarily be physically present in the environment - this has important implications of the media on behaviour
• • ao3 contrived lab studies x>>>
  • - evidence of social learning is based collected from lab studies
  • - many of bandura's ideas were developed from observationsof kids behaviour in the lab
  • - lab studies are criticised for its contrived nature - ppts may respond to demand characteristics
  • - since the main purpose was to strike the doll the bobo doll experiment , the kids may have behaved in the way in the way they though was expected
  • - ... suggests that the research may not may not tell us how kids learn aggression in everyday life
• ao3 real world application>>>

  - able to explain cultural differences in behaviour

  - SLT principles ( modelling, imitation and reinforcement ) can account for how children learn from others (including media)

  - can also explain how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies

  - .. proved useful in understanding a range of behaviours, such as how children come to understand their gender role

  - .. increases the value of this approach as it has real -life application
• ao3 (xtra) reciprocal determinism>>>

  - bandura emphasises reciprocal determinsim- were not merely influenced by out external environment but we also exert influence upon it, through behaviours we choose to perform

  - this suggests that there's an element of free will in the way we behave

  - this contrasts tho the behavourist approach which denies possibilities of free will

  - e.g. low levels of (neurotransmitter) serotonin in OCD

  - assumed to be constant.
• ao3 genotype and phenotype>>>

  - a person's genotype is that actual genetic makeup, whereas phenotype is the way that genes are expressed through physical behavioral and psychological characteristics

  - despite having the same genes, the way identical twins genes are expressed (phenotype) it's different - This helps explain that much of human behaviour depends on the interaction between inherited factors (nature) and the environment (nurture.)
• ao3 evolution and behaviour>>>

  • Charles Dawrin proposed the theory of natural selection to explain the evolution of animals and plants
  • Any genetically determined behavior that enhances an individual’s survivial (and reproduction) will be naturally selected into the next generation
  • The selection occurs because some traits have more advantages than others – those who have these are more likley to survive, reproduce and pass this on

  - a ‘crime’ gene

  - … suggests the biological view is too simplistic and ignores the effects of the environment
• ao3 cognitive factors >>>

  • SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation for learning than behaviourist approach because it recognises the role of mediational processes
  • cp II under estimates the influence of biology - mirror neurons are involved ( allow us to empathise with and imitate people )