Key Terms

• What is the social learning theory?

  A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.
• What is imitation?

  Copying the behaviour of others.
• Define identification and give an example:

  • Definition - When an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model
  • Example - Adopting the same music and fashion tastes as your friendship group
• What is modelling?

  From the observer's perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. From the role model's perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.
• Define vicarious reinforcement and give an example:


  • Definition - Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour. This is a key factor in imitation
  • Example - A student who takes their time writing neatly because they observed other students being praised for their neat writing
• What are the mediational processes in general?

  Cognitive factors (i.e. thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response.
• What are the 4 mediational processes?

  1. Attention - the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
  2. Retention - how well the behaviour is remembered
  3. Motor reproduction - the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
  4. Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished