A-LevelPsychologyLearning approach9990/12 · May/June 2018 · Q78 Marks

Outline one assumption of the learning approach, including any example in your answer.

(a)Outline one assumption of the learning approach, including any example in your answer.[2]
(b)Studies from the learning approach have real-world applications. Describe how the results of the study by Bandura et al. (aggression) can be applied to helping parents reduce aggressive behaviour in their children.[4]
(c)Outline one other real-world application based on the results or conclusions from the study by Bandura et al.[2]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1 mark for the assumption
1 mark for the example
e.g.
We learn though observation/imitation of behaviour (1 mark). People may then copy behaviours seen on TV adverts (1 mark) or the children in the Bandura et al. study copied the attacks on the Bobo doll (alternative 1 mark)
We learn through the consequences of our behaviour (1 mark). (Operant conditioning suggests) if we are rewarded for an action we are likely to repeat it (alternative first mark) so giving a sweet to a child after they have tidied their bedroom means they are more likely to repeat the tidying behaviour (1 mark)
We learn through association (1 mark). (Classical conditioning suggests) we associate two stimuli together to produce a learned response (alternative first mark) so a cat can associate the sound of a cupboard opening with food (1 mark).
2 marks for the results
2 marks for applying it to the scenario
e.g.
Boys were much more likely to imitate the physical aggression of a same-sex model (1 mark). Therefore, parents could get their boys to witness same-sex models showing friendly behaviour (so they imitate that instead) (1 mark)
Children were less likely to perform aggressive acts if they witnessed a non-aggressive model (1 mark). So, parents should only be kind in front of their children/should only let them watch pro-social TV (1 mark)
1 mark - partial answer or no indication of who will benefit
2 marks - full answer which includes who will benefit
e.g.
As children were more likely to imitate physical/verbal aggression from a model (1 mark), TV programme makers might want to ensure that their characters are non-aggressive to reduce the amount of aggressive behaviour that is imitated (1 mark).
The study showed children imitate same-sex models so it might be useful in schools (1 mark); Women can teach girls/men can teach boys to behave/learn more effectively (1 mark).