Strengths: The study used a controlled experiment, allowing researchers to manipulate the independent variable (model behavior) and measure the effect on the dependent variable (child behavior).
Learning Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Learning Approach
Learning Approach: How We Learn from Others
The Learning Approach in psychology focuses on how we learn new behaviors and skills by observing and interacting with others. It's like a game of "copycat," but with a lot more going on! Here's the breakdown:
1. Observational Learning:
-The Basic Idea: You learn by watching others. Think about how you learned to ride a bike. Did you read a book about it, or did you see someone else do it? You probably mimicked their movements, right? This is observational learning.
-The Key Players: -The Model: The person you're observing (the one being copied). They can be anyone – parents, teachers, friends, celebrities, even characters on TV! -The Observer: You, the person learning from the model.
-Real-World Example: You're watching a YouTube tutorial on how to do a cool skateboard trick. You observe the skater's moves, try to copy them, and hopefully learn the trick yourself!
2. Social Learning Theory (Bandura's Theory):
-The Big Picture: This theory says that learning isn't just about observation, but also about your thoughts and motivations. It's not enough to just see something; you have to be thinking about it and wanting to learn it.
-Key Concepts: -Attention: You need to pay attention to the model's behavior to learn from them. (Like really focusing on that skateboard tutorial) -Retention: You need to remember what you saw. This is where your brain processes the information and stores it. (Remembering the steps of the skateboarding trick) -Reproduction: You need to be able to physically copy the behavior. (Trying to do the skateboard trick yourself) -Motivation: You need to have a reason to learn. (Wanting to impress your friends with your new skateboarding skills)
-Real-World Example: A young child sees their older sibling getting praised for helping with chores. This positive reinforcement motivates the child to also help, hoping for similar praise.
3. Strengths of the Learning Approach:
-Practical Applications: The Learning Approach helps us understand how people learn both positive and negative behaviors. This knowledge can be used to develop teaching methods, create effective role models, and even understand the development of social problems.
-Provides Insights into Development: It helps explain how children develop social skills, learn language, and adopt values from their environment.
-Scientifically Supported: Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of observational learning and the importance of social influences on behavior.
4. Limitations of the Learning Approach:
-Ignores Internal Factors: While it's vital to consider social influences, the Learning Approach sometimes overlooks the role of our internal thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
-Oversimplifies Learning: There are many complex processes involved in learning that go beyond simply observing and copying.
-Individual Differences: The Learning Approach doesn't always account for the fact that people learn at different rates and in different ways.
Overall, the Learning Approach provides a powerful framework for understanding how we learn from others. While it has limitations, its insights have significant implications for everything from education and therapy to advertising and social change.
Bonus Notes
Please provide me with the details of the study you're referring to. I need information about the specific learning approach used, the experimental design, the model behavior, and the findings of the study to answer these questions effectively.
For example, tell me:
⭐What was the study about? (e.g., observational learning, reinforcement learning, etc.)
⭐What was the learning approach used? (e.g., Bandura's Bobo doll experiment, classical conditioning, etc.)
⭐What was the experimental design? (e.g., independent groups, repeated measures, etc.)
⭐What was the model behavior? (e.g., aggressive behavior, prosocial behavior, etc.)
⭐What were the main findings of the study?
Once you provide me with this information, I can answer your questions in a clear and concise manner.