Learning approach- Social Learning Theory

Learning approach- Social Learning Theory

1. Role of mediational processes

   • Cognitive processes play a role in learning
   • Attention
     • If behaviour is noticed
     • Relate to behaviour learning
   • Retention
     • If behaviour is remembered
     • Relate to learning behaviour
   • Motor reproduction
     • Ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
     • Performance of behaviour
   • Motivation
     • Will to perform the behaviour
     • Performance of behaviour

2. Imitation

   • Copying the behaviour of others
     • Usually of role model

3. Identification

   • Observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to be like a role model
   • 'Model' is whom the person identified with due to factors e.g.
     • Culture
     • Gender
     • Ethnicity

4. Modelling

   • From observer's persepective: modelling= imitating behaviour of a role model. Role model's perspective: modelling= demonstration of specific behaviour that may be imitated by others

5. Vicarious reinforcement

   • Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through someone else being reinforced for behaviour
     • Vicarious- indirect
   • Key factor in imitation

6. Bandura's research

7. +/-

   • Underestimates biological influence
     • Bobo doll found boys showed more aggression than girls regardless of experimental condition
       • Could be explained by testosterone differences-↑ testosterone in males
         • Biological factors could have an influence
   • Includes cognitive factors
     • Behaviourist- cannot give comprehensive account as cognitive factors omitted
     • More complete explanation- recognises mediational processes role
       • As is about behaviour of others and making judgements on if it is appropriate to perform certain actions
   • Can account for cultural differences
     • Explains learning from others around them, the media and how cultural norms are transmitted
       • Useful in understanding how children understand gender role models by imitating
   • Heavily reliant on controlled lab studies
     • e.g Bandura- observations in lab settings
       • Demand characteristics issue
         • Behave how they believe they should e.g. supposed to hit a bobo doll
       • Research may tell little about how children learn aggression in everyday life

8. Assumptions

   • Observation and imitation (copying behaviours of others) within a social context is how people lean behaviour
   • Learning occurs through classical and operant conditioning and indirectly
   • Learning and performance do not come together

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