Social Learning Theory

• SLT - Assumptions

  • Behaviour is learnt via experiences
  • Learning occurs in a social environment
  • Learning can occur directly or indirectly
• Albert Bandura (1961)

  Studied the behaviour of young children when they observed an adult being aggressive towards a bobo doll.
• Vicarious Reinforcement

  When an individual imitates a behaviour that they have seen being rewarded.

  • Indirect learning
• Meditational Processes

  Determine whether a new response is acquired.

  • Attention
  • Retention
  • Motor Reproduction
  • Motivation
• Attention 


  The extent to which we notice certain behaviours.
• Retention


  How well the behaviour is remembered.
• Motor Reproduction

  The ability to perform the behaviour.
• Motivation

  The will to perform the behaviour.
• Identification

  Individuals are more likely to imitate people they view as role models (modelling).

  • High status
  • Similar characteristics
  • Attractive
• SLT - Strengths

  • Recognises Importance of cognitive factors (meditational processes.
  • Real world application - can explain cultural differences in behaviour.
• SLT - Limitations

  • Lab studies - demand characteristics.
  • Lacks biological factors.