Sociocultural Level of Analysis

Social Norms Learning Outcomes:

Explain Social Learning Theory, making reference to two relevant studies

Three Strands of SCLOA and Specific Learning Outcomes

SLO.1: Explain social learning theory, making reference to two relevant studies.

Norm: is a set of rules based on socially or culturally shared beliefs of how an individual should behave.

Question: How does a society or culture pass on its norms to individuals with the group? SLT is the predominant theory.

Social Learning Theory:

People learn behaviour through observational learning.

Observational learning:

Learning by watching models and imitating their behaviour

Social Learning Theory:

Sometimes the model is trying to have a direct effect on the learner. Ex. Teacher

Often models serve as indirect models – they are not trying to influence behaviour

Social Learning Theory

Social learning involves the following factors: ARMM1. Attention2. Retention3. Motor Reproduction4. Motivation

Attention You have to pay attention to the model in

order for learning to occur. Likewise, anything that reduces/distracts attention is going to decrease learning.

Calvin’s not paying attention!!

More on Attention Bandura also found that

characteristics of the model affected attention. Example: Dramatic models were

paid more attention. Attractive or prestigious models and models that seem more like the subject were also paid more attention.

Retention

You must be able to remember the behaviour that has been observed.

Motor ReproductionThe observer

must be able to replicate the action.Just because

you watch someone do this doesn’t mean you can do it!

Motivation You must want to demonstrate what you have

learned. What influences us to be motivated to learn a

behaviour?Consistency- Model behaves consistently across

situations. Ex. Always being brave.Identification with the model- A tendency to

imitate models who are like ourselves Ex. Age, gender

Rewards/punishments: Vicarious reinforcement – learn from others

Liking the model – Warm and friendly models are more likely to be imitated than cold and uncaring models.

Evaluation of Social Learning Theory

Helps explain why behaviours may be passed down in a family or within a culture

Explains why children can acquire some behaviours without trial-and-error learning

However, though a behaviour may be acquired it is not always demonstrated (some see this as a criticism of the theory) – gap between when one observes the model and when one may demonstrate the behaviour

It also doesn’t explain why some people never learn a behaviour, in spite of the above criteria being met

Social Learning Theory has developed into social cognitive theory and self-efficacy theory

Both are based on SLT but the focus is on beliefs and how self-beliefs influence behaviour

This is an important elaboration of SLT to include how people are motivated not only by role models but also their own beliefs and experiences.

Sabido Method

Method for designing and producing radio and television drama that aims to change people’s behaviour

Albert Bandura

"Of the many cues that influence behavior, at any point in time, none is more

common than the actions of others"

Key Study: 'Transmission of aggression through imitation of aggressive models' Bandura, Ross, and Ross (1961)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zerCK0lRjp8 (5-ish minutes)

Aim, Method, Findings, and Evaluation (GMEC) of Bandura (1961)

Work with a group of 3 to create a Google Doc in which you summarize the AMF and use critical thinking skills to EVALUATE Bandura’s study.

The study is found on the OneNote document.

Class Discussion – taking up the study

So what happened in this study?

What are some of its strengths and limitations?

With an ‘elbow partner’… Read about Gergely et al. (2002) in

your Pearson (green) text on pg. 123. As well, consult the full article on this site: http://webhost.ua.ac.be/funmorph/publications/Van%20Damme%20et%20al%202002%20Nature.pdf

How does this study relate to, or support social learning theory?

What strengths or weaknesses can you identify regarding the study?