Social learning theory

• Social learning theory (1960)

  Proposes that learning can occur when one individual observes and imitate another, the model.
• ARRM*R otherwise known as mediational processes 

  A attention

  R retention

  R reproduction 

  M motivation (* due to reinforcement)
• Behaviour demonstrated

  • motivation is due to reinforcement; vicarious reinforcement, intrinsic motivation, external reinforcement
• Attention

   If you are going to learn anything, you have to carefully watch the model.

  Can’t be distracted during this process.

  Must be able to see and concentrate on the model.
• Retention

   Having observed the model, we

  must be able to Retain the

  model’s behaviour. Store in memory what we have observed Try and make it as meaningful as possible. This is the cognitive element! This is what makes this theory more complex than the other

  two!
• Reproduction 

   The learner is ABLE to replicate

  what was observed

  • we must feel that we are able to DO what the model DID – so competency is a factor.
  • This also makes this theory more complex because we need: competency and the confidence!
  • Self-Efficacy
• Motivation

   The learner must have an

  incentive or reason to perform

  what was observed.
• Reinforcement 

  • Vicarious reinforcement: Seeing someone else being rewarded
  • Intrinsic reinforcement: rewarding yourself
  • External reinforcement: someone else rewarding you.
• Bandura (1977) believed that four

  criteria need to be met for imitation

  to occur

  1. Attention to the role model
  2. Retention of the observed behaviour
  3. Reproduction of the target behaviour
  4. Motivation to imitate the observed behaviour
• Factors influencing us with imitation models

  Some of the things that influence attention and make

  us more likely to imitate models involve the

  characteristics of the model (HSFOB):

  • High status: liked and competent

  Similarity: age and sex.

  • Familiar known through previous observation
  • Observable clearly visible and ‘stands out’
  • Belief you think you COULD imitate the behaviour.