Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory

the process by which social influences alter an individual’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Observational learning

where an individual learns by watching the behaviour demonstrated by another.

Stage 1 - Observational learning processes

attention; learner actively watches the model.

Stage 2 - Observational learning processes

Retention; learner stored mental representation of behaviour.

Stage 3 - Observational learning processes

Reproduction; learner has the mental and physical ability to perform the behaviour.

Stage 4 - Observational learning processes

Motivation; environmental stimuli makes the learner wish to perform the behaviour.

Stage 5 - Observational learning processes

Reinforcement; positive outcomes mean the learner will repeat the behaviour when again motivated to do so.

Sources of reinforcement

1. A model - a parent praises the child for imitating their behaviour.

2. A third person - the observer might have imitated the behaviour of another person, such as a TV personality or leader, but receives praise for the behaviour from a parent or teacher.

3. Personal - the observer receives satisfying consequences as a result of imitating the model’s behaviour.

4. Vicarious Reinforcement - positive consequences received by the model increase the likelihood of the observer imitating the model’s behaviour, whereas negative consequences for the model’s behaviour decrease the likelihood of the observer imitating the model’s behaviour.