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Social Learning Theory - explains behaviour with both direct and indirect…
Social Learning Theory - explains behaviour with both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining Learning Theory with cognitive factors
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Vicarious Reinforcement
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Learner may imitate behaviour but usually imitation only occurs if behaviour is seen to be rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished. This is Vicarious Reinforcement
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Identification
People are much more likely to imitate the behaviour of people with whom they identify (role models). Process called modelling.
Someone becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to the observer and/or are attractive and have high status.
Role models may not necessarily be physically present (important implications for influence of media)
Mediational Processes - bridge the gap between Learning Theory and the Cognitive Approach because it focuses on how mental factors are involved in learning. Four mental processes:
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Motivation - the will to perform the behaviour (often determined by whether behaviour was rewarded or punished)
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First two relate to the learning of a behaviour, the second two relate to the performance of a behaviour. Learning and imitation may not always occur at the same time - observed behaviours can be stored.
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Evaluation
Less determinist than behaviourist approach - Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism (we are not merely influenced by our external environment, but we exert an influence upon it through the behaviours we choose to perform). This suggests there is some free-will in the way we behave.
Over-reliance on evidence from lab studies - Bandura's ideas were mostly from studies in lab settings, criticised for their contrived nature where participants may respond to demand characteristics. E.g. Bobo doll: main purpose of doll is to strike it, so children may behave in a way they think they should
Importance of Cognitive Factors - classical and operant conditioning are not adequate accounts of learning on their own. We store information about behaviours and make judgements about when it is appropriate to perform them. SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of learning by recognising role of mediational processes.
Underestimates influence of biological factors - Bandura ignores fact that boys were more aggressive in Bobo doll experiment than girls. May be explained by hormonal factors e.g. testosterone levels. Not accounted for in SLT.
Can account for cultural differences in behaviour - approach show how children learn from the people around them, and through the media, and so are subject to cultural differences. Explains things like how children understand their gender role by imitating role models. Contrast biological approach (can only explain universal behaviours)
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