social learning theory

who was social learning theory developed by?

Bandura (a psychologist)

what is social learning theory?

It is based on watching and copying behaviour and social interaction from significant others.

define significant others

• these are people who are role models to us.

• they are important to us and therefore we are more likely to pay attention to them and copy their behaviour.

• for the theory to be effective the modelling is important.

what are Bandura’s 4 processes?

• attention

• retention

• motor reproduction

• motivation

what is the attention stage in social learning theory? (and example)

• the performer must be paying attention to the demonstration.

• e.g. watching a netball player demonstrate a dodge.

what is the retention stage in social learning theory? (and example)

• the performer must be able to remember the demonstration.

• e.g. the performer is able to remember how the demonstrator did the dodge.

what is the motor reproduction stage in the social theory of learning? (and examples)

•  the performer must be physically and mentally able to carry out the skill being demonstrated.

• e.g. the performer practices dodging.

what is the motivation stage in the social theory of learning? (and example)

• the performer needs to want to carry out the skill.

• e.g. they have seen the dodge carried out successfully so they are motivated to also be able to do that.

 

what is cueing in the social theory of learning?

• identifying important cues or stimuli

• for example, watching the arm of your opponent when receiving a serve in tennis.

what factors that might effect successful modelling to you in the social theory of learning?

• If the model is the same or similar to you in terms of age/gender/sport

• If they are significant or someone we look up to

• If their behaviour is reinforced/praised

• If the demonstration is high standard/successful

• If the model is friendly or attractive

• If the demonstration is clear/repeated

• If the observer is focused on the relevant cues and can remember what they have seen

• If the observer is motivated