The Learning Approach: Social Learning Theory

The Learning Approach: Social Learning Theory

1. Assumptions

   • Bandura agreed with behaviourists that behaviour is learned from experience
   • His theory proposed that people learn through observation and imitation of others within a social context
   • learning occurs directly through classical and operant conditioning, but also indirectly

2. Vicarious Reinforcemnt

   • An individual must observe the behaviour of others for indirect learning to take place
   • Imitation only occurs if the behaviour is rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished
   • Learner observes behaviour, mainly the consequences of it

3. Role of mediational processes

   • SLT is often described as a bridge between learning theory and cognitive approach as it focuses on mental factors involved in learning
   • These mental factors mediate in the learning process to determine wether a new response is acquired
   • The 4 mental/mediational processes identified by Bandura
     • Attention
       • The extent to which we notice certain behaviours
         • Learning of behaviour
     • Retention
       • How well the behaviour is remembered
     • Motor reproduction
       • Ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
         • Performance of behaviour
     • Motivation
       • Will to perform the behaviour, often determined by wether the behaviour was rewarded or punished

4. Identification

   • People, especially children, are more likely to repeat behaviour of role models: someone they identify with
     • This process is called modelling
   • A person becomes a role model if ...
     • They posess similar characteristics
     • Attractive
     • Have a high status
   • Role models dont need to be physically present, this has important implications on the influence of media on behaviour

5. Key Words

   • Social learning theory
     • A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect feinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
   • Imitation
     • Copying the behaviour of others
   • Modelling
     • Observers perspective: imitating the behaviour of a role model
     • Role model’s perspective: precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer
   • Vicarious reinforcement
     • Reinforcement thats not directly experienced, occurs through observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour - key facor in imitation
     • Mediational processes
       • Cognitive factors that influence learning, come between stimulus and response