Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

1. Assumptions

   • The social learning theory is through observation and imitation of others within a social context, thus social learning.
   • Learning occurs directly, through classical and operant conditioning, but also indirectly.

2. Various Reinforcement

   • Vicarious reinforcement is when the learner may imitate the behaviour of others but imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be reinforced rather than punished.
   • Therefore, the learning observes behaviour but most importantly observes the consequences of behaviour.

3. Role of mediational processes

   • SLT is often described as the ‘bridge’ between traditional learning theory and the cognitive approach because it focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning.
   • These mental factors mediate (i.e. intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.
   • Unlike traditional behaviourism, the learning and performance of behaviour need not occur together. Observed behaviours may be stored by the observer and reproduced at a later time.

4. Four mental or mediational processes in learning were identified by Bandura

   • Attention – the extent to which we notice certain behaviours (learning)
   • Retention – how well the behaviour is remembered (learning)
   • Motor reproduction – the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour (performance)
   • Motivation – the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished (performance)

5. Identification

   • From the observer's perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model. From the role model's perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.

6. Evaluation

   • Positives
     • The importance of cognitive factors in learning
       • The social learning approach takes thought processes into account and acknowledges the role that they play in deciding if a behaviour is to be imitated or not.
       • As such, SLT provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes.
     • Explains cultural differences in behaviour
       • Social learning theory has the advantage of being able to explain cultural differences in behaviour; it can account for how children learn from other individuals around them, explaining how cultural norms are transmitted through particular societies.
       • This has proved useful in understanding a range of behaviours, such as how children come to understand their gender role.
     • Less determinist than the behaviourist approach
       • However, Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinations, in which we are not merely influenced by our external environment, but we also exert an influence upon it through the behaviours we choose to perform.
       • The social learning theory has a less deterministic view on free will than the behaviourist approach.
       • The behaviourist approach says that people have no free will and a person’s environment determines their behaviour.
   • Negatives
     • Underestimates the influences of biological factors
       • This means that this important influence on behaviour is not accounted for in SLT.
       • Bandura makes little reference to the impact of biological factors, such as hormones, on social learning.
       • In the Bobo doll research, boys were more aggressive than girls and this could be due to the differences in levels of testosterone.
     • Over-reliance on evidence from lab studies
       • Bandura’s ideas were developed in a lab setting in which demand characteristics can occur in.
       • In the Bobo doll research the main purpose was for children to strike the doll, there this response was elicited as they thought that’s what was expected.
       • Thus the research may tell us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday life.