Albert Bandura (Social Learning Theory)

Social Learning Theory

A theory that suggests people learn by observing others and that cognition plays a role in learning.

Observational Learning

Learning that occurs by watching others and modeling their behavior.

Vicarious Reinforcement

Learning that occurs by observing others being rewarded or punished for their behaviors.

Bobo Doll Experiment

A study by Albert Bandura demonstrating that children imitate aggressive behavior after observing adults.

Attentional Process

The first process in observational learning where the learner pays attention to the model.

Retention Process

The second process in observational learning where the learner remembers the behavior observed.

Production Process

The third process in observational learning where the learner reproduces the behavior.

Motivational Process

The fourth process in observational learning that involves expecting a reward for the observed behavior.

High Self-Efficacy

Confidence in one's abilities that leads to persistence and effort.

Low Self-Efficacy

A feeling of doubt in one’s abilities, often resulting in giving up easily.