Social Learning Theory (Theorist: Albert Bandura)

A.R.R.M.
Attention – Paying attention to the model.
Retention – Retain the behaviour of the model that was observed.
Reproduction – Replicate the behaviour of the learning model.
Motivation – Learners must want to display what they have learnt from the learning model.


Factors influencing SLT

• Consistency
• The model must act in a consistent way across situations.
• Relevance/Appropriateness
• Behaviours are more likely to be learnt if relevant and socially appropriate to the learner.
• Powerfulness
• Models with more power and control are more likely to be learnt from.
• Identification
• The ability of the learner to identify with the model, e.g. age, gender.
• Reward
• If the model was rewarded, the learner is more likely to learn from the model.
• If the learner is rewarded, they will more likely repeat the behaviour that was learnt.
• Friendliness
• Friendly models are more likely to be imitated.

Albert Bandura – Bobo Doll Experiment (SLT)
[A]	To demonstrate that learning can occur through observation of role models.
[P]	36 boys and 36 girls from age 3 to 6 were divided into groups according to their aggression evaluation from their parents and teachers. Group 1 was exposed to adult models who showed aggression by beating up a Bobo Doll. Models were of both genders. Group 2 observed an adult model who displayed no aggression. Models were of both genders. Group 3 was a controlled group who did not see any model. (Control) The children were then placed into the room with a Bobo doll after 10 minutes of watching the model.
[F]	Children who observed the aggressive model showed significantly more aggression both physically and verbally. Boys were more likely to imitate physical aggression. Girls were more likely to imitate verbal aggression.
[C]	Social learning theory was demonstrated in the study because the children showed signs of observational learning.
[E]	Ethics: Induced aggression. Oversimplification of the learning process. Ecological validity: Low, lab conditions. Confounding variable: children unfamiliar with doll were 5 times more likely to imitate aggressive behaviour.




Charlton et al. – St Helena TV violence study (SLT, covert observation)
[A]	Investigate the effect of the introduction of television on aggression in children.
[P]	TV was introduced to St Helena Island, violent content shown on TV was equal to the UK. Cameras were set up in playgrounds of two primary schools.
[F]	After 5 years, aggression of children did not increase. Good behaviour evident prior the introduction of TV were maintained.
[C]	Without correct and complete SLT process, ARRM, Social Learning cannot be achieved.