SLT approach

• assumptions:

  • behaviour learnt through observation
  • vicarious reinforcement- observing a model recipe a read for a behaviour reinforcement -> more lily to imitate
  • bandura also proposed self-efficacy and identification with the model are influences whether observed behaviour is imitated
• • bandura proposed 4 mediating cognitive processes

  -Attention= notice certain behaviours, essential for retention

  -Retention= ability to remember behaviour

  -Motivation= reward we see must be motivating, must be high chance of receiving same reward

  -Motor reproduction= able to transform mental representation into physical actions
• self efficacy= the belief that we can perform an action that's is observed and gain the same reward
• Bandura et al

  • identify if anger can be learnt indirectly from a 'model'
  • 36 boys and girls from Stanford uni nursery in 2 groups

  -one group saw model act aggressive towards bobo doll other saw assemble a toy

  -further divided into same-sex and opposite-sex models

  • lab set up as classroom
  • children told to not play with toys/doll to frustrate them
  • observed 20 min
  • children who observed aggressive behaviour were sig more aggressive
  • imitated aggressive behaviour of the model
  • more likely to imitate same-sex models
  • boy more abrasive overall than girls
• weakness of bandura et al study

  😔 children may act aggressive towards the doll but not other children

  😔 bobo doll may be of interest as it bounces up and down

  😔 demand characteristcs- given bobo doll and hammer, what else were they supposed to do, overheard children say 'this is what we are meant to do'
• pro of SLT approach

  • takes meditational processes into account/ acknowledges the part they take in deciding whether or not to imitate behaviour
  • practical applications/ real world applications- explain how some destructive behaviours are acquired. e.g. smoking , lead to changes in legislation that removed the presence of role model until watershed(9pm). contributed to reduction in smoking behaviour through modelled behaviour
• cons of SLT approach

  • not the full explanation of behaviour where there is no role model- e.g. those born blind and have inhibility to observe or psychopaths in families, only one person not the whole family. not fully explain how some learn behaviour
  • bandura does not take into account biological factors such as testosterone- boys more aggressive than girls in study. greater quantities in boy than girls. biological influence not accounted for. decrease plausibility