Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura
Modelling: Key Words:
Takes place when an individual displays a particular Social learning theory - a way of
social behaviour in the presence of another. explaining behaviour that includes
Models are often most likely to be imitated if they indirect and direct reinforcement.
Modelling - from the observer’s
are the same sex and age as the observer, likeable,
perspective - an intimate learning
attractive and appear to have high social status.
behaviour of a role model.
Vicarious reinforcement - a
Observation and Imitation: consequence of behaviour that
Observation is the active process in which the increases the likelihood of the
observer choses to focus on modelled behaviour and behaviour being repeated. Not
watch it. directly experienced but occurs
Imitation is copying the behaviour - which is the through observing others.
Retention - cognitive process of
most important mechanism of learning.
storing the modelled behaviour in
Once behaviour has been observed and stored, it can
memory.
be reproduced in whatever appropriate situation.
Motivation - the force that drives a
person to enact behaviour.
Vicarious Reinforcement:
Direct reinforcement is when the individual carries
out a behaviour and a pleasant consequence follows.
Vicarious is when an observer that witnessed the
model is being rewarded in some way for the
behaviour. 1. Child needs to pay attention to a
model demonstrating the angry
behaviour.
2. Remembers the angry behaviour.
Stages of Social Learning:
3. Reproduces the angry behaviour
1. Attention to the behaviour of the model.
when a similar situation arises.
2. Retention of the observed behaviour - storage in
4. Is motivated to repeat by having
memory.
seen the model be rewarded in
3. Reproduction of the behaviour in an appropriate
some way for their punch e.g.
situation.
getting a round of applause from
4. Motivation to repeat the behaviour because of
a friend.
vicarious reinforcement.
Albert Bandura
Modelling: Key Words:
Takes place when an individual displays a particular Social learning theory - a way of
social behaviour in the presence of another. explaining behaviour that includes
Models are often most likely to be imitated if they indirect and direct reinforcement.
Modelling - from the observer’s
are the same sex and age as the observer, likeable,
perspective - an intimate learning
attractive and appear to have high social status.
behaviour of a role model.
Vicarious reinforcement - a
Observation and Imitation: consequence of behaviour that
Observation is the active process in which the increases the likelihood of the
observer choses to focus on modelled behaviour and behaviour being repeated. Not
watch it. directly experienced but occurs
Imitation is copying the behaviour - which is the through observing others.
Retention - cognitive process of
most important mechanism of learning.
storing the modelled behaviour in
Once behaviour has been observed and stored, it can
memory.
be reproduced in whatever appropriate situation.
Motivation - the force that drives a
person to enact behaviour.
Vicarious Reinforcement:
Direct reinforcement is when the individual carries
out a behaviour and a pleasant consequence follows.
Vicarious is when an observer that witnessed the
model is being rewarded in some way for the
behaviour. 1. Child needs to pay attention to a
model demonstrating the angry
behaviour.
2. Remembers the angry behaviour.
Stages of Social Learning:
3. Reproduces the angry behaviour
1. Attention to the behaviour of the model.
when a similar situation arises.
2. Retention of the observed behaviour - storage in
4. Is motivated to repeat by having
memory.
seen the model be rewarded in
3. Reproduction of the behaviour in an appropriate
some way for their punch e.g.
situation.
getting a round of applause from
4. Motivation to repeat the behaviour because of
a friend.
vicarious reinforcement.
