Social learning theory -A-Level Psychology

Social learning theory

Albert Bandura proposed the social learning theory( a way of explaining behaviour that involves both direct and indirect reinforcement ,combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors.It is learning through observing others and imitating behaviours that are rewarded.

Modelling:

A form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour through observing another individual performing that behaviour.The individual performing the role is known as a model.(live models/symbolic model).Models provide examples of behaviour that can be observed then reproduced through imitation.

Imitation:

The action of using someone or something as a model and copying their behaviour.

They key determinants of whether a behaviour is imitated are:

-the characteristics of the model

-the observer’s perceived ability to perform that behaviour

-the observed consequences of the behaviour

Identification:

Is a form of influence where an individual adopts an attitude/behaviour in order to be associated with a particular person/group(models).It refers to the extent to which the individual relates to the model and feels similar to the model.The more similar they see themselves to the model,they would expect to experience the same outcomes in situations.

Vicarious reinforcement:

Learning that is not a result of direct reinforcement of behaviour,but through observing someone else being reinforced for that behaviour.Reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour.

Individuals can observe the consequences experienced by a model and then make judgements as to the likelihood of experiencing that outcome themselves.

The role of mediational processes:

-refer to the internal mental process that exist between environmental stimuli and the response made by an individual to those stimuli.

-these mental factors mediate in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.

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 behavior

4.Motivation- the will to perform the behaviour,which is based of whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished

1,2-learning of the behaviour

3,4-performance of the behaviour

Key study:Bandura et al(1961)

Bandura et al carried out an experiment involving children who observed aggressive and non aggressive adult models and then were tested for imitative learning in the absence of the model.Half of the children saw aggressive behavior (striking it with a mallet,verbal aggression)towards the Bobo doll and the other half saw non-aggressive models.

Findings-children who observed the aggressive model reproduced a good deal of physically and verbally aggressive behaviour resembling that of the model.1/3 repeated the model’s verbal responses.The other half of children displayed no aggression.

Bandura and Walter found that children who saw the model being rewarded for aggressive acts rather than punished were more likely to show a high level of aggression in their own play.

Evaluation:

Useful application-to increase understanding on human behaviour such as criminal behaviour

Explains cultural differences in behaviour-SLT accounts for how children learn from others around them and media.This can explain how cultural norms can be transmitted through societies.

Underestimates the role of biological influences-The boys in the experiment were more aggressive then the girls which can be explained by hormonal factors such as testosterone which is linked to aggressive behaviour.SLT doesn’t account for this important influence on behaviour.

Problem of causality-Siegel and McCormick(2006) suggested that young people who possess deviant attitudes would seek out peers with similar attitudes and behaviours.So the cause of delinquency may not be due to role models but the possession of deviant attitudes before associating with deviant peers.