Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

1. Assumptions

   • Bandura
     • We learn through experience
     • But there is a different way people learn
     • Through imitation

2. Vicarious reinforcement

   • Learning needs observation
   • Occurs more if the model is rewarded or punished
   • Observes behaviour and consequences of it

3. Mediational processes

   • Learning theory => SLT <= cognitive
     • ARRM
       • Attention
         • The extent we notice behaviours
       • Retention
         • How well the behaviour is rememberedd
       • Reproduction
         • The ability the observer has to perform the behaviour
       • Motivation
         • The will to perform the behaviour (vicarious reinforcement increases the likelihood of this)

4. Identification

   • More likely to repeat if you can identify
   • Called role models
   • Similar characteristics - but have high status

5. Evaluation

   • Cognitive factors
     • You cannot learn just by conditioning you need information about the behaviour of others
     • Store information about behaviour to make judgements
     • Thus is a more comprehensive explanation of human learning
   • Over reliance form lab studies
     • Bandura did lots of his experiments in a lab
       • Demand characteristics
       • Is the main purpose of the Bobo doll to hit it?
       • Is it reliable?
   • Underestimates biological factors
     • Bandura - boys are aggressive than girls
       • Biological - hormones = more aggressive
   • Real- Life Application
     • James Bulger
       • Kidnapped, tortured and later killed
       • 2 Years old
       • Killed after two ten year old watched Chuckie
       • Age ratings has now been put in place following events like this.

6. Evaluation Issues, Debates, and Approaches

   • Cultural differences
     • Learn from people and media around
     • This can prove a different range of behaviours
     • Can come to understand gender roles
   • Less determinist
     • Bandura - reciprocal determinism
       • Not merely influenced by external environment but also exert an influence upon it
       • Some free will
   • Nurture
     • Behaviour is influenced by the environment only.
     • Diathesis Stress Model says it can be due to both as it is hard to split Nature and Nurture

7. Bobo doll Bandura

   • 1961 - watched adults be nice then aggressive to the doll then copied the behaviour
   • 1963 - showed videos of vicarious reinforcement with the doll(praised and punished)