Download SLT - SP Moodle

Socio-Cultural LOA
SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY
Explain social learning
theory, making reference to
two relevant studies.
Role Models
 Write down the names of 3 people who are role models to
you, these can be famous, family, friends, teachers(!), or
anyone at all.
Who makes an effective role model?
Same gender
Higher status
Admired or/and respected
Same age
Does your list of role models match these criteria?
Social Learning Theory (SLT)
 According to SLT all behaviour is learnt via
observation and modelling.
What is the
definition of
modelling?
Bandura believed that 4 criteria need to
be met for modelling to occur
1. Attention to the role model
2. Retention of the observed behaviour
3. Reproduction of the target behaviour
4. Motivation to imitate the observed behaviour
Motivation
 Bandura’s 4th criteria – motivation can be achieved by;
 External reinforcement - someone rewarding you for your
behaviour
 Vicarious reinforcement – the observation of other people being
rewarded or punished for their behaviour
 Self reinforcement – gaining internal satisfaction from an activity
which therefore motivates the individual to behave in a similar
way in the future.
• Can you describe the motivational behavior of any of your
role models and then break it down using the above
reinforcement criteria?
Bandura
 Observational learning is thought to take place primarily in three
contexts
 In the family
 In the prevalent subculture
 Through cultural symbols such as televisions and books
Video Game Quiz: Name the video game
What do all of these
games have in
common?
They are all games on ‘The 10 Most Violent
Video Games: Parents be aware’ List
The role of the Media
 There is not much opportunity to witness anti social acts in
real life but the opportunity to do so via the media is huge.
 Think of an example of violence within these genres;

Television
Newspapers

Popular Music
Films
 Discuss in your pairs how each has /could influence people
e.g. Games – GTA series, violent killings in game have been blamed for teens
being aggressive in real life
How can the media influence aggressive
behaviour?
Television
Pop Music
Newspapers
Films
Copy this table into your notes as we discuss ideas
Self Efficacy
• According to Bandura self
efficacy also plays a role.
• Decides whether or not
you will imitate a
behavior.
 What is it:
 - Person’s belief in their
ability to effectively
achieve their goals.
Bandura, Ross & Ross (1961)
 Bandura et al set out to test
 scientifically the theory
 that the media can cause
 aggression in children.
Social Learning Theory (SLT)
Applications
Aggression
Religion
Morals
Gender
Habits e.g.
Smoking
Children See, Children Do
Social Learning Theory (SLT)
 Although SLT has many applications, for the purposes of
IB Psychology we will be focusing on AGGRESSION.
 We will specifically be looking at MEDIA effects on
AGGRESSION – just like Bandura was interested in.
Group work task
Charlton et al (2002) The
Island of St Helena
Bandura (1961)
Kimball and Zabrack
(1986)
Media Violence
Studies
Uhlmann & Swanson
(2003)
Gergley et al
(2002)
Sabido Method
(Crane p115/Moodle)
Evaluation of Social Learning Theory
 Social learning theory helps explain why behaviors
may be passed down in a family or within a culture.
 Also explains how children can acquire some
behaviors without trial-and-error learning.
Evaluation of Social Learning Theory
 Criticism: Children that see a behavior
demonstrated, may not exhibit that behavior
for sometime.



Because of this gap, it is difficult to establish 100% that the
behavior is the result of observing the model.
The model doesn’t explain why some people never learn a
behavior, in spite of seeing the model.
People are motivate role models and their own beliefs and
previous experience.
Social Learning Theory (SLT)
Key Terms
 Write down an agreed upon definition for each key term
at your table
Environment
Observation
Model
Imitation
Observed consequences
Vicarious reinforcement and punishment
Now, lets look to define some new terms
that could be used to further this
discussion: With potentially no prior
knowledge, define and consider how to
apply/include the following terms in a
discussion about SLT
•
•
•
•
•
Dehumanization –
Moral Disengagement –
Symbolic Learning –
Proxy control –
Self-exoneration –
• AND…Mirror Neurons (how might these
apply)?