Social Learning Theory

Proposed by Albert Bandura, social learning theory (SLT) bridges behaviourism and cognitive psychology. It suggests that we learn not just through direct experience, but also by observing others and thinking about what we see.

Core idea

People learn behaviours by watching models then deciding whether to imitate those behaviours based on the consequences.

Observational Learning

Learning occurs by observing others’ behaviour

The person being observed is called a model

Imitation

If the observed behaviour is seen as desirable or rewarding, the observer is more likely to immitate it

Vicarious reinforcement

We learn from out consequencess of other people’s behaviour

If a model is rewarded, we are more likely to copy them

If they are punished, we are less likely to immitate them

Mediational processes

Unlike behaviourism, SLT recognises that mental processes matter. Bandura propesed four key processes:

Attention - noticing the behaviour

Retention - remembering it

Reproduction - being able to perform it

Motivation - having a reason to immitate

Identification

We are more likely to imitate people we identify with

Bobo doll experiment

Bandura showed children a video of adults behaving aggressively toward a doll. The children later imitated the same agressive behaviour, proving that learning can happen through observation alone.

Evaluation (A03 Points)

Strengths:

• Supported by research (e.g. Bobo doll experiment) - shows behaviour can be learned through observation

• Includes cognitive prosses - more realistic than behaviourism

Limitations:

• Low ecological validity: Bobo doll - artificial task, may not reflect real life

• Ignores biological factors: e.g. hormoes (testosterone) may influence behaviour

• Ethical issues: children exposed to aggression in research