Social Learning Theory Overview

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is a significant limitation of Social Learning Theory (SLT) mentioned in the content?

Evidence was mainly gathered from real-world observations.

The theory cannot explain the learning of aggression in children.

The theory is only applicable to adults.

Research often relies on contrived lab studies. (correct)

What is a criticism of laboratory studies in the context of SLT?

They are generally accepted as reliable research methods.

They provide insights into real-world behaviors.

They do not involve any observational learning.

Children may exhibit demand characteristics. (correct)

How does SLT account for the understanding of gender roles in children?

Through innate biological factors.

By discouraging observational learning.

By imitating role models in media. (correct)

By emphasizing the importance of genetics.

What does the Bobo doll study suggest about children's behavior in lab settings?

Children's behavior may reflect what they believe is expected. Signup and view all the answers

What contribution does SLT make to understanding real-world behavior?

It explains how cultural norms are transmitted. Signup and view all the answers

What does social learning theory emphasize as significant in behavior acquisition?

Indirect and direct reinforcement and modeling Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key findings from Bandura's Bobo doll experiment?

Children tend to imitate the behavior of same-sex models Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of learning does social learning theory incorporate that classical and operant conditioning do not sufficiently address?

Cognitive processes in behavior assessment Signup and view all the answers

In the 1963 variation of Bandura's study, what was shown to increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior in children?

Seeing a model being rewarded for aggressive behavior Signup and view all the answers

What has been a criticism of social learning theory regarding its focus?

It makes insufficient reference to biological factors Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon in the brain might play a role in observational learning, which SLT has been criticized for not fully addressing?

Mirror neurons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an assumption of social learning theory?

Cognitive processes are irrelevant to learning. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main conclusion of Bandura and Walters' 1963 study regarding children's behavior after observing a model?

Children will imitate behavior that seems to be rewarded. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

SLT was proposed by Albert Bandura, who argued that learning happens through both direct and indirect reinforcement and modelling.
In his 1961 Bobo doll experiment, Bandura observed children's behavior after watching an adult model aggressive behavior towards a Bobo doll.
Bandura found that children were more likely to imitate the behavior of a same-sex model and that boys were more aggressive than girls.
In a 1963 study, Bandura and Walters found that children who observed an adult being rewarded for aggressive behavior were more likely to imitate that behavior than those who saw the adult being punished.
SLT recognizes the importance of cognitive factors in learning, acknowledging that humans and animals store information about others and use it to make decisions about their own behavior.

Strengths of SLT

SLT is a more comprehensive explanation of human learning than classical or operant conditioning alone, as it includes the role of mediational processes – mental processes that occur between a stimulus and a response.
SLT's principles can explain how children learn from others around them and through media, providing insight into how cultural norms are transmitted.
This has proven valuable in understanding a range of behaviors, such as how children learn about gender roles through media role models.

Limitations of SLT

SLT has been criticized for underemphasizing the role of biological factors in learning. While Bandura acknowledged biological differences, he believed that learning itself is primarily driven by the environment.
Recent research suggests that observational learning may be influenced by mirror neurons in the brain, which allow us to empathize with others, indicating a potential biological basis for learning.
The evidence for SLT has been gathered through contrived lab studies, which may not accurately reflect real-world learning.
Participants, especially children, in lab studies are susceptible to demand characteristics and may behave in ways they believe are expected. This raises concerns about the generalizability of SLT findings to everyday life.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fundamentals of Social Learning Theory (SLT) as proposed by Albert Bandura. This quiz delves into key concepts such as modeling, reinforcement, and the implications of Bandura's Bobo doll experiment. Understand how cognitive factors play a crucial role in human learning.