A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What does the social learning theory encompass?

1. Learning solely through personal experiences

2. Learning through direct rewards only

3. Learning occurs through indirect rewards and modeling

4. Learning is entirely determined by genetic predispositions

The correct answer is: Learning occurs through indirect rewards and modeling

Social learning theory, developed by Albert Bandura, posits that learning occurs not just through direct experience, but also through observation and modeling the behaviors of others. This means individuals can acquire new behaviors by watching others and noting the consequences of those behaviors, which may include indirect rewards or punishments. By observing a model exhibiting a behavior and the subsequent rewards they receive, individuals can learn to replicate that behavior without having to directly experience the reinforcement themselves. This dynamic illustrates how social influences and context play critical roles in shaping behavior, making it evident that learning is a broader process that goes beyond personal experience and reinforcement. The emphasis on modeling in social learning theory helps to explain various phenomena in social contexts, such as the impact of role models on youth behavior and the transmission of cultural practices.