Social learning theory

Assumptions

Behaviour is learned from experience

SLT provided an additional way in which people learn through observation and imitation of others 

Learning occurs directly through classical and operant conditioning but also indirectly 

Vicarious reinforcement

For indirect learning to take place an individual observes behaviour of others

Imitation only occurs if the behaviour is seen to be rewarded rather than punished 

Learner observes the behaviour but most importantly also observes the consequence of the behaviour 

Role of mediational processes

SLT is often described as the bridge between behaviourists learning theory and cognitive approach because it focuses on how mental factors are involved in learning 

Mental factors intervene in the learning processes to determine whether a new response is accquired

Mental processes are attention retention motor reproduction and motivation 

Identification 

People especially children are more likely to imitate people they identify with 

This is called identification 

Person they identify with is called a role model e.g. someone who you aspire to be 

Bobo doll study

Bandura recorded the behaviour of young children who watched an adult behave in an aggressive way towards a bobo doll

They behaved more aggressively towards the doll and other toys than those who had observed a non aggressive adult playing with the bobo doll