Social learning theory in humans
Give
one example of social learning in humans, for example of aggression,
and evaluate social learning theory as
an explanation of human behaviour.
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"The specific forms that aggressive behaviour takes, the frequency with which it is displayed, and the specific targets selected for attack are largely determined by social learning factors"
Albert Bandura (1973)
These 3 elements of social learning were demonstrated in Bandura's research with children and the Bobo doll. In this study it was found that exposure to an aggressive model led to imitation of specific acts, generally increased levels of aggression, and aggression was directed at the same target (the Bobo doll).
SLT suggests that much behaviour, including aggression, is learnt from the environment (rather than being instinctual) through reinforcement and the process of modelling. Modelling involves learning through the observation of other people (models) which may lead to imitation if the behaviour to be imitated leads to desirable consequences. Thus it is said observational learning has taken place and the behaviour may be imitated or modelled at a later date. This means a model must be stored internally and implies the involvement of cognitive processes. Models can be parents, peers or media characters (thus this theory has implications for the portrayal of behaviour like violence on television).
Vicarious reinforcement occurs when another person is observed to be rewarded for certain actions and this makes is more likley that an observer will imitate the actions. The imitator is not likely to repeat the behaviour immediately but may later reproduce the behaviour. If the child sees others punished for their actions then, although the behaviour is learnt, it is less likely to be imitated.
Individuals are more likley to imitate another's behaviour if:
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