Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

1. ALBERT BANDURA (1925)

   • - We learn by observing the consequences of others and our own behaviour
   • - SLT places special importance on internal mediational processes (thinking that might occur between stimulus and response)

2. 4 MEDIATIONAL PROCESSES

   • Attention - must pay attention to the model
   • Retention - Must memorise the models actions
   • Reproduction - must be physically capable of reproducing the models actions
   • Motivation - Must be motivated to perform the models actions

3. KEY CONCEPTS

   • Imitation - Action of using someone or something as a model and copying their behaviour
   • Identification - When an individual is influenced by another because they wish to be like them
   • Modelling - A form of learning when individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing someone performing that behaviour
   • Vicarious Reinforcement - Learning that is not a result of direct reinforcement but by seeing someone else get reinforced for a behaviour

4. EVALUATION

   • Strengths - Is scientific, takes into account thought processes and has many real world applications
   • Weaknesses - SLT cant explain all behaviours and the approach ignores personality differences