Discuss social learning theory as an explanation of behaviour.
Updated: 7 days ago
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss social learning theory as an explanation of behaviour.
Refer to Bandura’s research, imitation, identification, vicarious reinforcement and mediational processes in your answer.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to explain social learning theory accurately and then evaluate how successfully it explains behaviour. Because the question explicitly names Bandura’s research, imitation, identification, vicarious reinforcement and mediational processes, all of these should appear in the answer.
For 16 marks, students should explain the process by which behaviour is observed, learned and potentially performed, rather than simply saying that people copy role models. Stronger answers should also distinguish learning from performance and evaluate the theory using Bandura’s research, methodological issues, cognitive factors, biological influences and real-world applications.
The current specification explicitly requires social learning theory, including imitation, identification, vicarious reinforcement, mediational processes and Bandura’s research. The course plan likewise separates these concepts from Bandura’s research and requires students to explain how his findings support the theory.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10
As this is an original 16-mark discussion question without a scenario, an appropriate allocation is AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of social learning theory is accurate and generally well detailed. Imitation, identification, vicarious reinforcement, mediational processes and Bandura’s research are clearly explained. Discussion is thorough and effective, using relevant research and theoretical or methodological issues. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of social learning theory is evident but there may be occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Most of the named concepts are clearly addressed. Discussion is mostly effective and relevant evidence is used appropriately, although some points may lack development. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge of social learning theory is present. Some named concepts may be described but not fully explained. The response is mainly descriptive and discussion is only partly effective. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge is very limited or muddled. There may be confusion between social learning theory and operant conditioning. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
Indicative content
AO1: Basic assumptions of social learning theory
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Social learning theory proposes that people can learn behaviour by observing other people.
Learning does not require the observer to perform the behaviour themselves or experience direct reinforcement.
The person being observed acts as a model.
The observer may subsequently imitate the model’s behaviour.
Whether imitation occurs is influenced by:
identification with the model
observed consequences of the model’s behaviour
cognitive or mediational processes.
Learning and performance are therefore not necessarily the same thing.
A behaviour can be learned through observation but not performed until the observer has sufficient motivation.
This goes beyond the traditional behaviourist view because social learning theory includes cognitive processes between environmental events and behaviour.
Imitation
Imitation occurs when an observer copies behaviour they have seen performed by a model.
Credit relevant explanation such as:
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