Social Learning Theory

Who proposed Social Learning Theory?

Albert Bandura

What is the theory of SLT?

Takes cognitive processes into account through looking at observational learning, modelling and vicarious reinforcement - Bandura felt internal mental state must also play a role in learning and learning is more than imitation.

What is imitation?

Simply copying the models behaviour.

What are Bandura’s three types of models?

Live model

Verbal model

Symbolic model

What is a live model?

When a behaviour is demonstrated in person.

What is a verbal model?

Doesn’t perform the behaviour, but instead explains or describes the behaviour.

What is a symbolic model?

Can be a fictional character or real people who demonstrate behaviours in books, films, TV shows, video games or internet sources.

What are the steps in the process of modelling?

Attention

Retention

Reproduction

Motivation

What is attention in the process of modelling?

Being focused on what the model is doing.

What is retention in the process of modelling?

Being able to remember what you observed.

What is reproduction in the process of modelling?

Being able to perform the observed behaviour that you have memorised.

What is motivation in the process of modelling?

Wanting to copy the behaviour - this depends on what the consequence of the models behaviour was.

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Seeing that the model was reinforcement for their behaviour - making you more motivated to copy them.

What is vicarious punishment?

Seeing that the model was punished for their behaviour - making you less motivated to copy them.

How did Bandura research modelling behaviour?

Observing children’s modelling of adults’ aggressive and violent behaviours towards an inflatable ‘Bobo Doll’.

How did the children response to seeing the model punished for their violent bheaviour?

It decreased the children’s tendency to model the violent behaviour they saw.

How did the children respond to seeing the model praised/ignored for their violent behaviour?

The children were more likely to imitated the model - punching, kicking and yelling at the doll.

What are the prosocial effects of models?

Can be used to encourage socially acceptable behaviour e.g. learning parents morals or public figures views to inspire positive global social change.

What are the antisocial effects of models?

Explains how 30% of abused children grow up to be abusers as they learn the behaviour themselves.