Social Learning Theory... Further Considerations
How does Bandura, Support the theory of observational learning?
How does Bandura, Illustrate ONE characteristic/factor that makes the behavior more likely to be modeled? (Consider the results of the study)
Bandura, Part 1 ● control = adult model behaving aggressively ● model-rewarded = control + 2nd adult rewards the model with sweets and a soft drink ● model-punished = control + 2nd adult scolds and spanks the model for behaving aggressively Results: ● Control & model-reward = equal number of aggressive acts towards the Bobo doll (2.5 acts) ● model-punished = significantly fewer acts (1.5)
Bandura, Part 2 ● All children were rewarded for each aggressive act. Results: ● ALL had 3.5 acts, regardless of previous condition ● Significance? o observational learning → aggressive acts were due to observing the models. o vicarious reinforcement → children were not rewarded or punished, themselves o reinforcement was necessary for performance NOT learning
The role of self-efficacy Self-efficacy: a person’s belief in their own ability in specific situations ●if we be believe in our ability to perform an action, we are more motivated to imitate it.
SLT & Social Norms social norms: acceptable and expected behavior in our society ●we are not personally rewarded for every behavior that is consistent with social norms. ●our knowledge of what is expected and acceptable is mentally represented → influences and regulates
Other criticisms... ●over emphasizes what happens TO a person rather than what they do with the information they receive. ●ignores biological and maturational elements that may influence behavior. ○ recent research investigates the role of mirror neurons → motor system is activated from observing motor actions of others!