Social Learning Theory 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? Grand Theft Auto (4) Resident Evil God of War They are all games on ‘The 10 Most Violent Video Games: Parents be aware’ List Manhunt DeadRising Mortal Kombat MadWorld Gears of War Saints Row

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 Gender Habits e.g. Smoking Morals Religion 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 Media Violence Studies Charlton et al (2002) The Island of St Helena Kimball and Zabrack (1986) Uhlmann & Swanson (2003) Sabido Method (Crane p115/Moodle) Bandura (1961) Gergley et al (2002)

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. Learned helplessness contributes to not picking up behavior

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)?