Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory

Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes

the importance of observing, modelling, and imitating the
behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others.
Social learning theory focuses on the learning that occurs within

a social contextSocial learning theory considers how people
learn from one another by observing, imitating, and modeling.In
social learning theory, people (observers) are trying to learn by
imitation or modeling. Therefore, the model or third person can
be a reinforcer.For instance, from an operant condition
perspective, learners are reinforced often enough that they
continue to copy those around them.As a result, their imitation
(copying) itself becomes a habit which is called generalized.
Social Learning Theory” has been renamed ‘Social Cognitive
Theory” to accommodate later developments of the theory
because of his focus on motivational factors and self-regulatory
mechanisms that contribute to a person’s behavior, rather than
just environmental factors.According to Bandura, human beings
have specific abilities related to learning that sets them apart
from other species
People can learn by observing the behavior of others and then

imitating the behavior overtly.Learning can occur without a
change in behavior.Cognition plays a role in
learning.Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior
if it results in outcomes they value.Individuals are more likely to
adopt a modeled behavior if the model is similar to the observed
and has admired status and the behavior has functional value.
andura identified three basic models of observational learning:
 A live model, which involves an actual individual

demonstrating or acting out a behavior.
 A symbolic model, which involves real or fictional
characters displaying behaviors in books, films, television
programs, or online media.
 A verbal instructional model, which involves descriptions
and explanations of a behavior.
Experiment that showed children could easily learn through

observational learning modelingFrustrated children go to beat on
the clown after seeing adult model do the same.Reinforcements
and punishment may influence what we imitate.
Bandura noted that external, environmental reinforcement was

not the only factor to influence learning and behavior. And he
realized that reinforcement does not always come from outside
sources.1Your own mental state and motivation play an
important role in determining whether a behavior is learned or
not.
He described intrinsic reinforcement as a form of internal

rewards, such as pride, satisfaction, and a sense of
accomplishment.7 This emphasis on internal thoughts and
cognitions helps connect learning theories to cognitive
developmental theories. While many textbooks place social
learning theory with behavioral theories, Bandura himself
describes his approach as a 'social cognitive theory.'
Identification is different to imitation as it may involve a number

of behaviors being adopted, whereas imitation usually involves
copying a single behavior.
Learning Does Not Necessarily Lead to Change
So how do we determine when something has been learned? In

many cases, learning can be seen immediately when the new
behavior is displayed. When you teach a child to ride a bicycle,
you can quickly determine if learning has occurred by having
the child ride his or her bike unassisted.
But sometimes we are able to learn things even though that

learning might not be immediately obvious. While behaviorists
believed that learning led to a permanent change in behavior,
observational learning demonstrates that people can learn new
information without demonstrating new behaviors.1
Key Factors for Success
It is important to note that not all observed behaviors are

effectively learned. Why not? Factors involving both the model
and the learner can play a role in whether social learning is
successful. Certain requirements and steps must also be
followed.
The following steps are involved in the observational learning

and modeling process:1
There are four mediational processes proposed by Bandura:

1. Attention: If you are going to learn anything, you have
to be paying attention. The person must first pay attention
to the model.
2. Retention: You must be able to retain or

remember what you have paid attention to.
We retain mental images or verbal
descriptions.
3. Reproduction: You have to translate the

images or descriptions into actual behaviors.
4. Motivation: the final necessary ingredient

for modeling to occur is motivation, learners
must want to demonstrate what they have
learned. (If positive reinforcement is
potentially available, enact the modeled
behavior)
Children who see an adult behave aggressively might view that
aggressive behavior as a positive thing and therefore might
imitate that aggressive behavior.
Students often learn a great deal simply by observing other
people.To promote effective modeling a teacher must make sure
that the four essential conditions exist; attention, retention ,
motor reproduction, and motivation.Teachers and parents must
model appropriate behaviors and take care that they do not
model inappropriate behaviors.Teachers should expose students
to a variety of other models. This technique is especially
important to break down traditional stereotypes.
It is very important to develop a sense of self- efficacy for

students. Teachers can promote such self-efficacy by having
students receive confidence-building messages, watch others be
successful, and experience success on their own.Teachers should
help students set realistic expectations for their academic
accomplishments.Self-regulation techniques provide an effective
method for improving student behavior.
In addition to influencing other psychologists, Bandura's social

learning theory has had important implications in the field of
education. Today, both teachers and parents recognize how
important it is to model appropriate behaviors. Other classroom
strategies such as encouraging children and building self-
efficacy are also rooted in social learning theory.
As Bandura observed, life would be incredibly difficult and even

dangerous if you had to learn everything you know from
personal experience. Observing others plays a vital role in
acquiring new knowledge and skills. By understanding how
social learning theory works, you can gain a greater appreciation
for the powerful role that observation plays in shaping the things
we know and the things we do.
Real World Applications/Film and Media
Social learning theory can have a number of real-world

applications. For example, it can be used to help researchers
understand how aggression and violence might be transmitted
through observational learning. By studying media violence,
researchers can gain a better understanding of the factors that
might lead children to act out the aggressive actions they see
portrayed on television and in the movies.
But social learning can also be utilized to teach people positive
behaviors. Researchers can use social learning theory to
investigate and understand ways that positive role models can be
used to encourage desirable behaviors and to facilitate social
change.

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Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes

Social learning theory focuses on the learning that occurs within

People can learn by observing the behavior of others and then

andura identified three basic models of observational learning:

 A live model, which involves an actual individual

Experiment that showed children could easily learn through

Bandura noted that external, environmental reinforcement was

He described intrinsic reinforcement as a form of internal

Identification is different to imitation as it may involve a number

Learning Does Not Necessarily Lead to Change

So how do we determine when something has been learned? In

But sometimes we are able to learn things even though that

Key Factors for Success

It is important to note that not all observed behaviors are

The following steps are involved in the observational learning

There are four mediational processes proposed by Bandura:

2. Retention: You must be able to retain or

3. Reproduction: You have to translate the

4. Motivation: the final necessary ingredient

It is very important to develop a sense of self- efficacy for

In addition to influencing other psychologists, Bandura's social

As Bandura observed, life would be incredibly difficult and even

Real World Applications/Film and Media

Social learning theory can have a number of real-world

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