Social Learning Theory PPT (1)

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Social Learning Theory posits that people learn from one another, via observation, imitation, and modeling. The theory has often been called a bridge between behaviorist and cognitive learning theories because it encompasses attention, memory, and motivation.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

There are three core concepts at the heart of social learning theory. First is the idea that people can learn through

observation. Second is the idea that internal mental states are an

essential part of this process. Thirdly, this theory recognizes that just because

something has been learned, it does not mean that it will result in a change in behavior.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

1. People can learn through observation.Observational Learning In his famous "Bobo doll"

studies, Bandura demonstrated that children learn and imitate behaviors they have observed in other people. The children in Bandura’s studies observed an adult acting violently toward a Bobo doll. When the children were later allowed to play in a room with the Bobo doll, they began to imitate the aggressive actions they had previously observed.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Bandura identified three basic models of observational learning:A live model, which involves an actual individual

demonstrating or acting out a behavior.A verbal instructional model, which involves

descriptions and explanations of a behavior.A symbolic model, which involves real or fictional

characters displaying behaviors in books, fi lms, television programs, or online media.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

2. Mental states are important to learning.Intrinsic ReinforcementBandura noted that external, environmental

reinforcement was not the only factor to influence learning and behavior. He described intrinsic reinforcement as a form of internal reward, such as pride, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. 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.'

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

3. Learning does not necessarily lead to a change in behavior.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.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Attention — various factors increase or decrease the amount of attention paid. Includes distinctiveness, aff ective valence, prevalence, complexity, functional value. One’s characteristics (e.g. sensory capacities, arousal level, perceptual set, past reinforcement) aff ect attention.

Retention — remembering what you paid attention to. Includes symbolic coding, mental images, cognitive organization, symbolic rehearsal, motor rehearsal

Reproduction — reproducing the image. Including physical capabilities, and self-observation of reproduction.

Motivation — having a good reason to imitate. Includes motives such as past (i.e. traditional behaviorism), promised (imagined incentives) and vicarious (seeing and recalling the reinforced model)

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Consistency: If the model behaves in a way that is consistent across situations-for example, always being brave – then the observer will be more likely to imitate than if the model behaves in diff erent ways depending on the situation.

Identifi cation with the model: There is a tendency to imitate models who are like ourselves – for example, in terms of age and gender.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

Rewards/punishment: Bandura argues that people can learn from observing what happens to others; they don’t have to experience the consequences themselves.  This is called vicarious reinforcement in Banduras theory and happens when we watch people around us – whether in reality or in movies.  this called observational learning.

Liking the model: warm and friendly models are more likely to be imitated than cold, uncaring models.  A study by Yarrow et al (1970) showed that children learn altruistic behaviour better from people with whom they have already developed a friendly relationship than from people they do not know.

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

EVALUATION:Helps explain why behaviours may be generally

passed on generationally or culturallyRaised awareness of adult infl uence of childrenHelps explain how behaviours in diff erent

contexts (ie at home/at school) can be diff erent. The right environmnet can create the right behaviour.

Studies such as the Bobo Doll study help to understand aggression – and the impact of media on society

The discovery of Mirror Neurons has lent biological support to Social Learning – providing a neurological basis for imitation

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

HOWEVER…Oversimplification? The St Helena study provides

evidence that exposure to media violence has little or no eff ect

Underplays the role of cognition – and the controls people have to modify behaviour. Bandura acknowledges as such by renaming SLT ‘Social COGNITVE Theory’

SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY