Social learning theory (SLT)

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Social learning theory (SLT)
- Basic assumptions
  - Behaviour learnt from environment
  - Observation of behaviour of models and the reinforcement they receive
- Key concepts
  - Imitation/ Modelling; observing a model's behaviour and copying
  - Identification; a model influences another person because they have similar characteristic
  - Vicarious reinforcementLearning by observing the behaviour of a model
- Mediating processes
  - Attention; behaviour being noteworthy enough to imitate
  - Retention; behaviour must me memorable in order for it to be imitated
  - Reproduction; can we physically reproduce the behaviour?
  - Motivation; will behaviour be rewarded? (Is it worth copying the behaviour?)
- Bandura's Bobo doll research
  - Aggressive behaviour observed = Aggressive behaviour imitated
  - Greater imitation if model and child were same gender
  - Boys more physically aggressive; girls more verbally aggressive
Takes cognitive processes into account
- Strengths
- Can show influence of media
  - Supported by research
Doesn't explain behaviour when there is no model
- Limitations
- Doesn't explain why boys were more aggressive than girls
  - Doesn't take morals and free will into account

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