The Social Learning Theory
Key idea: Behaviour is learnt through observation and imitation of others.
5 key elements:
1. Modelling
2. Imitation
3. Identification
4. Vicarious reinforcement
5. Mediational processes
Modelling
A form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual
performing that behaviour.
Live vs Symbolic modelling:
A live model is someone involved in your life who you look up to, such as a parent, teacher or
sibling.
A symbolic model is someone you don’t know who you idolise, such as a celebrity or religious
figure.
Imitation
The act of using someone or something as a model and then copying their behaviour/attitudes.
Research has shown that unlike conditioned learning that takes place relatively slowly, when a
model is provided behaviour can be required rapidly.
Key determinants in whether we decide to imitate something:
- Characteristics of the model
- Observers perceived ability of performing the behaviour
- Observed consequences of the behaviour
Identification
Refers to the extent to which we relate to the model and feel that we want to be associated with a
particular person or group.
If we identify with an individual, we are more likely to imitate them.
Factors affecting whether we identify with a model:
- Attractiveness
- High status
- Similarity
- Same sex
Vicarious Learning
Individuals learn about the consequences of an action and adjust their behaviour accordingly.
, Bandura and Walters (1936) found that children who observed a model rewarded for aggressive
behaviour were more likely to imitate their behaviour than children who saw someone being
punished. You don’t need to experience the reward or punishment directly to learn.
Banduras Bobo Doll Study (1961)
Aim: To investigate whether children imitate behaviour / whether social behaviours can be
acquired by observation and imitation.
Sample: 72 children aged 3-6
Procedure:
- Half of the children were shown aggressive adult models (who were striking the doll with a
mallet and shouting verbal abuse, i.e., POW) and the other half shown non-aggressive
adult models.
- They were tested for imitative learning: The children were manipulated to be frustrated
by being shown attractive toys and weren’t allowed to play with them.
- The children were then taken to a room with a bobo doll.
Findings and conclusions:
The children exposed to non-aggressive behaviour did not act aggressively or make abusive
remarks towards the bobo doll, whereas children exposed to aggressive behaviour did.
This shows children will imitate behaviour.
Mediational Processes
Individuals do not automatically observe the behaviour of a model and imitate it. There is some
thought prior to imitation and this consideration is called mediational processes – a cognitive
process.
1. Attention
The behaviour must grasp our attention.
2. Retention
How well the behaviour is remembered. This may be noticed but not always remembered.
3. Reproduction (motor)
Are we physically able to do it?
4. Motivation
The will to perform the behaviour. The rewards and punishment that follows a behaviour
will be considered by the observer.
Determinism:
The determinist stance proposes that all behaviour is caused by preceding factors and is thus
predictable. The causal laws of determinism form the basis of science.
Key idea: Behaviour is learnt through observation and imitation of others.
5 key elements:
1. Modelling
2. Imitation
3. Identification
4. Vicarious reinforcement
5. Mediational processes
Modelling
A form of learning where individuals learn a particular behaviour by observing another individual
performing that behaviour.
Live vs Symbolic modelling:
A live model is someone involved in your life who you look up to, such as a parent, teacher or
sibling.
A symbolic model is someone you don’t know who you idolise, such as a celebrity or religious
figure.
Imitation
The act of using someone or something as a model and then copying their behaviour/attitudes.
Research has shown that unlike conditioned learning that takes place relatively slowly, when a
model is provided behaviour can be required rapidly.
Key determinants in whether we decide to imitate something:
- Characteristics of the model
- Observers perceived ability of performing the behaviour
- Observed consequences of the behaviour
Identification
Refers to the extent to which we relate to the model and feel that we want to be associated with a
particular person or group.
If we identify with an individual, we are more likely to imitate them.
Factors affecting whether we identify with a model:
- Attractiveness
- High status
- Similarity
- Same sex
Vicarious Learning
Individuals learn about the consequences of an action and adjust their behaviour accordingly.
, Bandura and Walters (1936) found that children who observed a model rewarded for aggressive
behaviour were more likely to imitate their behaviour than children who saw someone being
punished. You don’t need to experience the reward or punishment directly to learn.
Banduras Bobo Doll Study (1961)
Aim: To investigate whether children imitate behaviour / whether social behaviours can be
acquired by observation and imitation.
Sample: 72 children aged 3-6
Procedure:
- Half of the children were shown aggressive adult models (who were striking the doll with a
mallet and shouting verbal abuse, i.e., POW) and the other half shown non-aggressive
adult models.
- They were tested for imitative learning: The children were manipulated to be frustrated
by being shown attractive toys and weren’t allowed to play with them.
- The children were then taken to a room with a bobo doll.
Findings and conclusions:
The children exposed to non-aggressive behaviour did not act aggressively or make abusive
remarks towards the bobo doll, whereas children exposed to aggressive behaviour did.
This shows children will imitate behaviour.
Mediational Processes
Individuals do not automatically observe the behaviour of a model and imitate it. There is some
thought prior to imitation and this consideration is called mediational processes – a cognitive
process.
1. Attention
The behaviour must grasp our attention.
2. Retention
How well the behaviour is remembered. This may be noticed but not always remembered.
3. Reproduction (motor)
Are we physically able to do it?
4. Motivation
The will to perform the behaviour. The rewards and punishment that follows a behaviour
will be considered by the observer.
Determinism:
The determinist stance proposes that all behaviour is caused by preceding factors and is thus
predictable. The causal laws of determinism form the basis of science.
