Bandera’s Social Learning Theory

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Bandera’s Social Learning Theory-people learn from one another through observation, imitation, and modeling

Bandera bridged between behaviorism and cognitivism.

Attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes are observed.

Emphases:

-modeling

-imitation

-observational learning

-cognition is stressed

-self-efficacy

-self-regulation

-differentiated learning

Bandera’s Observational Learning Theory:

Attention

Retention

Motor Reproduction

Reinforcement/Motivation

Effective Modeling:

1. Attention-various factors increase or decrease the amount of attention paid.

(sensory capacities, arousal level, perceptual set, past reinforcements)

2. Retention-remembering, symbolic coding, mental images, cognitive organization, symbolic rehearsal, motor rehearsal.

3. Reproduction-reproducing the image.

Physical capabilities, self-observation of reproduction.

4. Motivation-good reasons to imitate.

Past motives, promised incentives, vicarious (seeing/recalling reinforced model)

Application of Social Learning Theory:

Applied to understanding aggression, psychological disorders, and for behavior modification.

1. Highest Level of Observational Learning is organizing and rehearsing modeled behaviors symbolically and then overtly. (words, labels, and images lead to better retention)

2. Students are more likely to model if the outcomes are valued.

3. Students are more likely to adopt behavior if model is similar to the observer and it has value and admired status.

3 Models of Observational Learning

-Live Model

-Verbal Instructional Model

-Symbolic Model (character in book or movie)

Intrinsic reinforcement affects learning just as much as extrinsic reinforcement.

Learning does not mean that there will be a change in behavior.