Jennelyn T. Sotta BBrC 2-5D Dr. Luz A.

Lee

Introduction to Psychology March 13, 2007

Social Learning

Theory
Of Albert Bandura (Richard Wallace)
Social Learning Theory

Albert Bandura (Richard Wallace)

 Derived from Skinner’s Operant Conditioning Theory. His theory Maintains the

importance of the stimulus – response connection in learning, but its emphasis is on

observational learning.

 It assumes that individuals learn specific cognitive structures from observing the

behavior of others and that these strategies account for the acquisition of social

behaviors.

Several Basic Assumptions

1. It is assumed that infants possess innate or inborn reflexes.

2. Humans have a symbolizing capacity to process/transform experiences into internal

models that can guide future actions.

3. Forethought influences our present actions by anticipation of consequences and

events.

4. The capacity for vicarious learning is present in humans, thus, individuals can learn by

observation and not by trial and error.

5. Humans have the capability for reflective self – consciousness. This involves thinking

of thoughts and attributing meanings to their experiences.

Social Learning Theory

- Also attempts to explain socialization and how people acquire norms and thoughts.

- is the reciprocal relationship between behavior and the conditions that control it.

In observational learning, the consequence of a particular response is conveyed

through physical demonstration, words or pictures – The exposure to a model may

produce different effects:

a. Observational Learning Effect – where an individual recombines previously learned

behavioral patterns to produce novel responses.

b. Inhibitory Effects – where the models behavior either strengthens or weakens the

inhibition of responses already available to the observer.

c. Social Facilitation Effect – where the models behavior leads toward acting out a

response already available to the observer.

Observational Learning is also a major source for the learning of rules or principles.

Abstract Modeling which is a higher – older form of observational learning involves

extracting the model’s behavior and applying this to appropriate situations.

Bandura emphasizes four sub processes:

a. Attention – before any observational learning will occur, the model stimulus must

be attended to.

b. Retention – if the model’s behavior is to exert influence, what has been observed

must be retained.
c. Motoric Reproduction – imitation follows only if the individual had motoric

reproduction or actually imitated the model’s behavior.

d. Reinforcement – is to be considered as a motivational rather than a strengthening

factor.

Observational Learning is also said to be a major source of creative behavior.

Creative expression is enhanced by observing different models and allows for

innovative response patterns.