C.1.1.2 Social Learning Theory (HL)

• SLT is the process of learning behaviour through observing and imitating perceived role models

• Albert Bandura is the theorist who came up with SLT

According to Pervin et al. (2005), to get a full understanding of SLT and how it relates to personality, four constructs must be taken into account:

1. Competence and skills

2. Beliefs and expectancies

3. Behavioural (evaluative) standards

4. Personal goals

Competence and skills

• How you behave depends on the actual skills you have and whether you expect to be good at something

Beliefs and expectations

• Beliefs relate to how the world is. For example, how well someone is performing a role in a team

• Expectancies relate to what an individual thinks will happen in the future. For example, what an individual thinks might happen with regard to the role they play in that team

Behavioural standards

• A mental “standard” is a criterion for judging the goodness or worth of a person, thing or event

  • Behavioural (evaluative) standards concerning oneself or personal standards

  • Personal standards are fundamental to human motivation and performance

Personal goals

• Identification and realisation of goals influence change in our personality

  • Through appropriate goal setting, it can challenge a performer to improve themselves