Social learning theory

• Social learning theory

  Learning occurs through observation and imitation of others, not just direct experience
• Mediational processes in social learning theory


  • Attention
  • Retention
  • Motor reproduction
  • Motivation
• Identification

  People are more likely to imitate those they identify with, a process called modelling
• Strengths of social learning theory

  • Recognises importance of cognitive factors in learning
  • Real-world application
• Limitations of social learning theory

  • Contrived lab studies
  • Under-emphasised biological influences