Social Learning Theory

• Assumptions

  Bandura agreed with Behaviourists, seeing behaviour as learned through experience. Though they argue that people learn through observing and imitating others; learning both directly (classical and operant conditioning) and indirectly (vicarious reinforcement).
• Vicarious Reinforcement

  Indirect learning occurs when an individual observes the behaviour of others. The learner then imitates this behaviour if it is seen to be rewarded (reinforced) rather than punished- vicarious reinforcement occurs. Thus the learner observes the behaviour, but importantly observes the consequences of the behaviour.
• The Role of Mediational Processes


  SLT is described as a bridge between the behaviourist and cognitive approach; it focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning. These mental factors mediate (intervene) in the learning process to determine whether a new response is acquired.
• The Four Mediational Processes

  Attention; the extent to which we notice certain behaviours. Retention; how well the behaviour is remembered. Motor Reproduction; the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour. Motivation; the will to perform the behaviour, often determined by the consequences.

  Unlike traditional behaviourism, the learning and performance of behaviour don't have to occur together. Observed behaviours may be stored by the observer and reproduced at a later time.
• Identification

  People, especially children, are more likely to imitate people they identify with- called identification. A person becomes a role model if they are seen to have similar characteristics to the observer; and/or are attractive and have high status. Role models may not be physically present in the environment, this then has important implications for the influence of the media on behaviour.
• Bandura's Research

  Recorded the behaviour of young children who watched an adult behave in an aggressive manner towards a Bobo Doll; hitting the doll with a hammer and shouting abuse at it. Children were then later observed playing with various toys, including a Bobo Doll, and they behaved much more aggressively towards the doll and the other toys than children who watched a non-aggressive adult.
• Bandura and Walter's Research

  Showed videos to children where an adult behaved aggressively towards the Bobo Doll. One group saw the adult being praised for their behaviour; a second saw the adult being punished for their aggression; and a third saw the aggression without a consequence. When given their own Bobo Doll, children in the first group showed more aggression, followed by the control, and then the second.
• AO3: Cognitive Factors

  A strength is that it recognises the importance of cognitive factors in learning; neither classical or operant conditioning can offer an adequate explanation on their own. Humans and animals store information about the behaviour of others and make judgements about when it is appropriate to imitate. This suggests that the SLT is a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising the role of mediational processes.
• AO3: Counterpoint to Cognitive Factors

  SLT has been criticised for making little reference to the influence of biological factors on social learning. Although Bandura claimed natural biological differences influenced our learning potential, he claimed that learning was still determined by our environment. However, recent research suggests that observational learning may be the result of mirror neurons in the brain which allow us to empathise with and imitate others. Biological influences are under-emphasised.
• AO3: Contrived Lab Studies

  A limitation is that evidence of the SLT basis is through lab studies. Many of Bandura's ideas were developed through observations of young children's behaviour in lab conditions. This is criticised as p's may respond with demand characteristics. In relation to Bobo Doll research, as the main purpose of the doll is to strike it, the children were then behaving in the way they thought was expected. This research then tells us little about how children actually learn aggression in everyday life.
• AO3: Real-World Application

  SLT has an advantage of being able to explain cultural differences in behaviour. SLT principles, such as modelling, imitation and reinforcement, can account for how children learn from others around them, including the media. This explains how cultural norms are transmitted through societies. Then proving useful in understanding a range of behaviours, such as how children understand their gender role. Increasing the value as it can account for real-world behaviour.
• AO3: Reciprocal Determinism

  Bandura emphasised reciprocal determinism, claiming that we aren't merely influenced by our external environment, but that we also exert an influence upon it through the behaviours we choose to perform. This element of choice suggests that there is some free-will in the way we behave. Contrasting the behaviourist approach which sees free-will as an illusion.