Social learning theory

Social learning theory

1. cognitive processes called mediating factors between stimulus and response (less deterministic and reductionist than other approaches)

   • less deterministic and reductionist than other approaches e.g. behaviourist

2. combines principles from the behaviourist and the cognitive approach - more balanced

3. concerned with human rather than animal behaviour - no extrapolation - general laws applicable to all humans (nomothetic approach)

   • no extrapolation needed - general laws applicable to all humans (nomothetic approach)

4. Learning occurs through observation of role models (can take place without any reinforcements)

   • Bandura et al (1961)
     • record behaviour of young children who wanted an adult behave aggressively to a bobo doll. When the children were observed playing with bobo, they behaved much more aggressively towards the doll than those who observed a non-aggressive adult
       • Lab setting lacks external validity (e.g. Bobo doll experiment)
       • underestimates influence of biological factors e.g. testosterone
       • lab setting - cause and effect can be established

5. Reinforcements can be direct or indirect (vicarious reinforcement)

6. live model: people who are present in our environment

7. symbolic model: people who are present in the media

8. identification: when an individual adopts an attitude or behaviour

9. Modelling requires ...

   • attention (noticing behaviour)
   • retention (remembering the behaviour)
   • motor reproduction (it has to be physically possible)
   • motivation (there has to a reason to want to copy the role model

10. concentrates mostly on external behaviour