Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

1. The Theory

   • learning occurs through imitation and observation of behaviour from role models
   • SLT recognises the importance of cognitive processes -> mediational processes
     • These mediational processes are: attention, retention, reproduction and motivation
   • if the observer sees someone as a role model they will identify with them
   • Identification involves associating with the views, qualities and characteristics of their role models
   • Vicarious reinforcement is when imitation is much more likely to occur if observed behaviour is rewarded

2. Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment (1961)

   • Investigated whether aggression can be learned through SLT principles
   • Sample of 72 children
     • 1/2 boys and 1/2 girls
     • 3-6 yrs old
     • put into 3 groups
   • The 3 groups
     • Aggressive model - child played in a room where an adult hit the dolls
     • Control group - the child didn't see a model
     • Non aggressive model - child played in a room where an adult was quiet
   • Conclusions
     • children who saw the aggressive model produced more aggressive acts than those in the two other groups
     • the young girls imitated more physical aggression if they saw a male model and they imitated more verbal aggression if they observed a female model

3. Evaluation

   • A LIMITATION of Bandura's experiment is that it took place in a lab. This means it was artificial and controlled which could of led to demand characteristics. This lowers the internal validity as the behaviour may not of be genuine
   • A STRENGTH is supporting research. Fox & Bailenson (2009) found that we are more likely to imitate computer-generated virtual humans who are similar to themselves. Adds credibility to the theory
   • A STRENGTH is it has application to real world issues. Can help explain criminal behaviours. In addition, it has been used to examine the effectiveness of advertising. Adsoger et al found that identification with a character may increase the likelihood that audiences will imitate behaviour in anti-alchohol messages