Learning approaches : Social learning theory

Social learning theory

A way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors

Imitation

Copying the behaviour of others

Identification

When an observer associated themselves with a role model and wants to be like the role model

Modelling

From the observer’s perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role model.

From the role model’s perspective , modelling is the precise demonstration of a specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer.

Meditational processes

Cognitive factors (i.e thinking) that influence learning and come between stimulus and response

Role of meditational processes

Four mental or mediational processes in learning were identified by bandura:

Attention : Extent to which we notice certain behaviours

Retention: How well the behaviour is remembered

Motor reproduction : The ability of the observer to perform the behaviour

Motivation - The will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the behaviour was rewarded or punished.

Cognitive factors

One strength of Social Learning Theory (SLT) is that it recognises the importance of cognitive factors. Unlike classical or operant conditioning, SLT acknowledges that humans store information about others' actions and use it to make judgements about when to imitate them. By including these mediational processes, SLT offers a far more comprehensive explanation of human learning than basic conditioning.

Counterpoint: Despite this, SLT is criticised for under-emphasising biological factors. While Bandura acknowledged that biology affects learning potential, he believed environmental factors mattered most. However, recent research suggests observational learning might actually be driven by mirror neurons in the brain, meaning biological influences deserve more credit.

Contrived lab studies

A key limitation of SLT is that its core evidence relies heavily on contrived lab studies. Bandura’s Bobo doll experiments are often criticised for artificiality, which can lead to demand characteristics. For instance, because a Bobo doll is explicitly designed to be hit, the children may have simply acted the way they thought researchers expected them to. Consequently, the findings may not accurately reflect how children learn aggression in real life.

Real world application

Another strength is that SLT principles successfully apply to real-world behaviours, particularly in explaining cultural differences. Concepts like modelling, imitation, and reinforcement show how children absorb cultural norms from those around them and the media. This makes SLT highly valuable for understanding complex real-world developments, such as how children learn their gender roles.