BTEC Level 3 Applied Psychology in 60(ish!) Seconds: Social Learning Theory

Summary

Social learning theory suggests that individuals learn behaviors by observing and imitating others, especially when they admire or identify with the model. Imitation is further influenced by vicarious reinforcement, where the observer sees the model rewarded for their actions. This theory explains behaviors like aggression and gender role development, and is widely used in advertising by leveraging relatable or admired figures. However, it faces criticism for its inability to account for the role of genetics, as seen in twin studies where genetic factors may explain certain behaviors better than social learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social Learning Theory suggests that we learn behaviors through observation and imitation of others.
• 😀 Imitation is more likely when the observer admires the model, such as a child admiring a parent or a fan admiring a celebrity.
• 😀 Observers are more likely to imitate models they perceive as similar to themselves, e.g., the same gender or age.
• 😀 Vicarious reinforcement increases imitation, which occurs when the observer sees the model being rewarded for a behavior.
• 😀 A child may imitate their sibling's behavior to receive a reward, such as pocket money for doing chores.
• 😀 Research supports that imitation is more likely when the observer shares the same gender as the model.
• 😀 A key criticism of Social Learning Theory is that it cannot fully explain twin studies, where identical twins show more similar behaviors than non-identical twins.
• 😀 The higher similarity in identical twins suggests genetic influences on behavior, challenging the idea that all behaviors are learned through observation.
• 😀 Social Learning Theory can explain the development of aggressive behavior, as children may imitate aggressive actions they observe.
• 😀 Advertisers use Social Learning Theory by employing models or celebrities who are similar to the target market to encourage imitation and influence consumer behavior.
• 😀 Social Learning Theory also helps explain how gendered behaviors are passed down across generations, as children are more likely to imitate the behaviors of a same-gender parent.

Q & A

What is social learning theory?

Social learning theory suggests that individuals learn through observation and imitation of others, especially models they admire or identify with.

What factors increase the likelihood of imitation according to social learning theory?

Imitation is more likely when the observer admires the model, perceives themselves as similar to the model (e.g., same gender or age), and witnesses vicarious reinforcement, such as the model being rewarded for their behavior.

What is vicarious reinforcement?

Vicarious reinforcement occurs when an observer sees a model being rewarded for their behavior, increasing the likelihood that the observer will imitate that behavior in hopes of receiving similar rewards.

How does social learning theory explain children's behavior?

Social learning theory explains that children learn behaviors, including aggression, by observing and imitating the actions of others, particularly adults or peers they admire.

How do identical twins challenge social learning theory?

Twin studies, particularly those focusing on aggression, show that identical twins have more similar behavior than non-identical twins, suggesting that genetics may play a more significant role than social learning in determining behavior.

Why is imitation more likely when the observer and the model share similarities?

Imitation is more likely when the observer shares similarities with the model, such as gender or age, because the observer may feel they can relate to or see themselves in the model.

How do advertisers use social learning theory to influence consumers?

Advertisers apply social learning theory by using models that resemble their target audience, increasing the chances that consumers will imitate their behavior. They also use celebrities who are admired by consumers to enhance imitation.

What is the significance of gender in social learning theory?

Social learning theory suggests that children are more likely to imitate the behavior of a parent of the same gender, helping to explain how gendered behavior is passed from one generation to the next.

What is a strength of social learning theory?

A key strength of social learning theory is its ability to explain the development of behaviors, such as aggression, through the process of observation and imitation, which is supported by numerous studies.

What is a limitation of social learning theory?

One limitation of social learning theory is that it does not fully account for genetic influences on behavior, as shown in twin studies where identical twins often exhibit more similar behaviors than non-identical twins.