Social Learning Theory

• key assumptions

  learning takes place in a social context

  occurs via observation of the behaviour of others (reward, punishment)

  other people act as role models (identification, vicarious reinforcement)
• mediational processes

  attention

  retention

  reproduction

  motivation
• bandura- bobo dolls

  72, 3-5 yrs matched on levels of aggression.

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

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

  effect stronger if model was same gender - identification
• ao3 - explains cultural differences

  slt principles can account for how children learn from other individuals around them, as well as through the media, explaining how cultural norms are transmitted through society
• ao3 - bandura

  highly controlled and supports the theory, however cause/effect issue

  sees behaviour as environmentally determined, genetic component suggested by boys being more aggressive than girls (testosterone)
• ao3 - mediational processes

  have face validity - it makes sense that we must pay attention, remember, and feel motivated to reproduce behaviour in order to imitate

  provide a more comprehensive explanation of human behaviour