Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory:

Assumptions -

• Bandura agreed with the behaviourists that much of our behaviour is learned from experience.
• Proposed that people learn through observation and imitation of others within a scoail context.
• Learning occurs directly (classical/opperant conditioning) and indirectly.

Vicarious reinforcement -

• An individual observes the behaviour of others, however, imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished.
• The learner observes the behaviour as well as the consequences.

Mediational processes -

• Attention = the extent to which we notice certain behaviours.
• Retention = how well the behaviour is remebered.
• Motor reproduction = the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour.
• Motivation = the will to perform the behaviour (often determined by whether the behaviour is rewarded or punished)

Identification -

• Modelling = People are much more likely to imitate the behaviour of people whom they identify with (role models)
• A person becomes a role model if they are seen to possess similar characteristics to…