Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the importance of observing, modelling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.

Social learning theory focuses on the learning that occurs within a social contextSocial learning theory considers how people learn from one another by observing, imitating, and modeling.In social learning theory, people (observers) are trying to learn by imitation or modeling. Therefore, the model or third person can be a reinforcer.For instance, from an operant condition perspective, learners are reinforced often enough that they continue to copy those around them.As a result, their imitation (copying) itself becomes a habit which is called generalized.
Social Learning Theory” has been renamed ‘Social Cognitive Theory” to accommodate later developments of the theory because of his focus on motivational factors and self-regulatory mechanisms that contribute to a person’s behavior, rather than just environmental factors.According to Bandura, human beings have specific abilities related to learning that sets them apart from other species

People can learn by observing the behavior of others and then imitating the behavior overtly.Learning can occur without a change in behavior.Cognition plays a role in learning.Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior if it results in outcomes they value.Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior if the model is similar to the observed and has admired status and the behavior has functional value.

andura identified three basic models of observational learning:

• A live model, which involves an actual individual demonstrating or acting out a behavior.
• A symbolic model, which involves real or fictional characters displaying behaviors in books, films, television programs, or online media.
• A verbal instructional model, which involves descriptions and explanations of a behavior.

Experiment that showed children could easily learn through observational learning modelingFrustrated children go to beat on the clown after seeing adult model do the same.Reinforcements and punishment may influence what we imitate.

Bandura noted that external, environmental reinforcement was not the only factor to influence learning and behavior. And he realized that reinforcement does not always come from outside sources.1Your own mental state and motivation play an important role in determining whether a behavior is learned or not.

He described intrinsic reinforcement as a form of internal rewards, such as pride, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment.7 This emphasis on internal thoughts and cognitions helps connect learning theories to cognitive developmental theories. While many textbooks place social learning theory with behavioral theories, Bandura himself describes his approach as a 'social cognitive theory.'

Identification is different to imitation as it may involve a number of behaviors being adopted, whereas imitation usually involves copying a single behavior.

Learning Does Not Necessarily Lead to Change

So how do we determine when something has been learned? In many cases, learning can be seen immediately when the new behavior is displayed. When you teach a child to ride a bicycle, you can quickly determine if learning has occurred by having the child ride his or her bike unassisted.

But sometimes we are able to learn things even though that learning might not be immediately obvious. While behaviorists believed that learning led to a permanent change in behavior, observational learning demonstrates that people can learn new information without demonstrating new behaviors.1

Key Factors for Success

It is important to note that not all observed behaviors are effectively learned. Why not? Factors involving both the model and the learner can play a role in whether social learning is successful. Certain requirements and steps must also be followed.

The following steps are involved in the observational learning and modeling process:1

There are four mediational processes proposed by Bandura:

1.     Attention:  If you are going to learn anything, you have to be paying attention. The person must first pay attention to the model.

2.  Retention: You must be able to retain or remember what you have paid attention to. We retain mental images or verbal descriptions.

3. Reproduction: You have to translate the images or descriptions into actual behaviors.

4. Motivation: the final necessary ingredient for modeling to occur is motivation, learners must want to demonstrate what they have learned. (If positive reinforcement is potentially available, enact the modeled behavior)

Children who see an adult behave aggressively might view that aggressive behavior as a positive thing  and therefore might imitate that aggressive behavior.
Students often learn a great deal simply by observing other people.To promote effective modeling a teacher must make sure that the four essential conditions exist; attention, retention , motor reproduction, and motivation.Teachers and parents must model appropriate behaviors and take care that they do not model inappropriate behaviors.Teachers should expose students to a variety of other models. This technique is especially important to break down traditional stereotypes.

It is very important to develop a sense of self- efficacy for students. Teachers can promote such self-efficacy by having students receive confidence-building messages, watch others be successful, and experience success on their own.Teachers should help students set realistic expectations for their academic accomplishments.Self-regulation techniques provide an effective method for improving student behavior.

In addition to influencing other psychologists, Bandura's social learning theory has had important implications in the field of education. Today, both teachers and parents recognize how important it is to model appropriate behaviors. Other classroom strategies such as encouraging children and building self-efficacy are also rooted in social learning theory.

As Bandura observed, life would be incredibly difficult and even dangerous if you had to learn everything you know from personal experience. Observing others plays a vital role in acquiring new knowledge and skills. By understanding how social learning theory works, you can gain a greater appreciation for the powerful role that observation plays in shaping the things we know and the things we do.

Real World Applications/Film and Media

Social learning theory can have a number of real-world applications. For example, it can be used to help researchers understand how aggression and violence might be transmitted through observational learning. By studying media violence, researchers can gain a better understanding of the factors that might lead children to act out the aggressive actions they see portrayed on television and in the movies.

But social learning can also be utilized to teach people positive behaviors. Researchers can use social learning theory to investigate and understand ways that positive role models can be used to encourage desirable behaviors and to facilitate social change.