Weaknesses: The study's findings may be limited to the specific behavior (aggression) and the specific context (playing with a Bobo doll).
Learning Approach
Psychology Notes
A Level/AS Level/O Level
Learning Approach
Learning Approach: How We Learn and Behave
The learning approach to psychology is like a detective trying to figure out how we learn new things and why we act the way we do. Unlike other approaches that focus on thoughts and feelings, the learning approach focuses on observable behaviors and how they are shaped by our environment.
Think of it like this: You don't really know why your friend loves to play video games, but you can see that they always get excited when they see a new game release. The learning approach would try to understand how they became so passionate about video games by looking at what happened in their environment.
Main Theories Within the Learning Approach
Here are the main theories within the learning approach:
1. Classical Conditioning:
-What it is: Learning by association. When two things are paired together repeatedly, we start associating them and react to one as if it were the other.
-Example: Think about Pavlov's dogs. They learned to salivate at the sound of a bell because the bell was repeatedly paired with food.
-Real-world examples:
- Feeling anxious when you see a certain teacher because they were strict in the past.
- Feeling happy when you hear a song that reminds you of a good memory.
2. Operant Conditioning:
-What it is: Learning through consequences. We are more likely to repeat behaviors that have positive consequences (reinforcement) and less likely to repeat behaviors that have negative consequences (punishment).
-Example: If you get a good grade on a test because you studied hard, you are more likely to study hard for future tests.
-Real-world examples:
- A child learning that crying gets them attention.
- A student doing their homework to avoid getting grounded.
3. Social Learning Theory:
-What it is: Learning by observing others. We learn by watching and imitating the behaviors of others, especially those we admire or see as having authority.
-Example: Children learning how to play with toys by watching their parents.
-Real-world examples:
- Learning a new dance move by watching a video.
- Developing a passion for a sport by watching professional athletes.
Weaknesses of the Learning Approach
-Focus on observable behavior: It doesn't consider internal processes like thoughts and feelings that can also influence behavior.
-Oversimplification: It sometimes oversimplifies complex human behavior by focusing solely on external factors.
-Limited to specific situations: The findings from studies on learning might not apply to all situations, especially those involving complex emotions or thoughts.
Conclusion
While the learning approach may not explain everything about human behavior, it provides valuable insights into how we learn and adapt based on our experiences. It helps us understand how our environment shapes our behaviors and how we can use these principles to modify behaviors in ourselves and others.
Bonus Notes
Bandura's Observational Learning: A Deep Dive
1. Strengths and limitations of Bandura's observational learning theory:
Strengths:
⭐Empirically supported: Extensive research validates the theory, demonstrating its influence on various behaviors.
⭐Explains complex learning: Goes beyond simple stimulus-response mechanisms, accounting for cognitive processes like attention, memory, and motivation.
⭐Applicable to diverse contexts: Explains learning in various settings like classrooms, families, and society, impacting social development and cultural transmission.
Limitations:
⭐Oversimplification of cognitive processes: Focuses on the observable, neglecting the intricate cognitive mechanisms involved in learning.
⭐Neglect of individual differences: Assumes everyone learns equally from observation, overlooking individual factors like personality and prior experiences.
⭐Ethical concerns with aggressive modeling: Raises concerns about the potential negative impact of observing aggressive behavior, demanding careful consideration in research and application.
2. Bandura's Bobo doll study:
Children who observed an adult aggressively interacting with a Bobo doll were more likely to imitate the aggression, both physically and verbally. This demonstrated that observing aggressive behavior, even in a fictional context, increases the likelihood of adopting similar behavior.
3. Validity of Bandura's findings:
⭐Strong research design: The Bobo doll study employed controlled conditions, making it possible to isolate the effects of observational learning.
⭐Robust results: Replicated across multiple variations, solidifying the influence of observational learning.
⭐Limitations: The study's artificial setting raises questions about generalizability to real-life situations.
4. Applications of Bandura's theory:
⭐Education: Utilizing role models, providing positive examples, and demonstrating desired behaviors fosters learning and positive change.
⭐Behavior modification: Using techniques like modeling and vicarious reinforcement effectively address challenging behaviors and promote positive change.
5. Comparison with other learning theories:
⭐Classical conditioning: Involves associating a neutral stimulus with a naturally eliciting one, leading to a learned response. Observational learning differs by focusing on observing and imitating behaviors.
⭐Operant conditioning: Learning through reinforcement and punishment. Observational learning complements this by incorporating vicarious reinforcement, learning from observing others' rewards or punishments.
Conclusion:
Bandura's observational learning theory offers a valuable framework for understanding how humans acquire behaviors and knowledge. While acknowledging its limitations, its strengths and applications remain crucial for understanding social learning and development.