Social Learning Theory

By: Albert Bandura

Bandura’s Early Life

1925-present

Definition of Social Learning Theory

“According to social learning theory, behavior is learned symbolically through central processing of response information before it is performed. By observing a model of the desired behavior, an individual forms an idea of how response components must be combined and sequenced to produce the new behavior.” p. 35

Important Words to Know…

Social Modeling Self Efficacy Differential Reinforcement Response Consequences

Functions of Social Learning

Motivational Informative Reinforcing

Modeling

“…most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action.” p. 22

Bobo Doll Experiment

Reinforcement

“Reinforcement does play a role in observational learning, but mainly as an antecedent rather than a consequent influence.” p. 37

Processes of Social Learning Theory

Attentional Processes Retention Processes Motor Reproduction Processes Motivational Processes

How to Shoot a Basketball

Social Learning theory can be applied to everyday activities!

Attentional Processes

Question as the teacher: Where do I point my student’s focus?

1. Fingertips not palm 2. Elbow 90 degrees 3. Bend knees Up and Over!

Retention Processes

Convert instruction to symbols Imagery Example: Picture what a perfect shot

looks like Verbal Example: Remember “fingertips, elbow

straight, knees, up and over.”

Motor Reproduction Processes

Convert symbols into performance Continual correction Practice until perfection

Motivational Processes

Do what works, ignore what’s right Incorrect form of a basketball shot Who cares if it looks correct? It only matters if I

make it.

Everyday Applications

Individual Stages of Modeling

Instantaneous reproduction vs. Delayed Reproduction Evil Eye Baby

Maturation of component functions, not just cognitive abilities

Example of Continuation students vs. Average High School Student

Types of Social Modeling

observational-verbal-written symbolic- TV. abstract modeling-moral judgments creative modeling other

Developmental Analysis of Self-Efficacy

self-knowledge of one's capabilities "accurate appraisal of one's own capabilities is

highly advantageous and often essential for effective functioning.“

Adults watch children through early stages where lack of knowledge of their capabilities presents  potential hazards.

Causal efficacy- baby moves objects- becomes aware of self familial sources peer group

School: an Agency for Cultivating Cognitive Self-Efficacy

primary setting for the cultivation and social validation of cognitive competencies

Creating  learning environments conducive  to the development of cognitive skills rest on the talents  and self-efficacy of teachers. Self-appraisals of less able students suffer most when the

whole group studies the same material and teachers make frequent comparative evaluations. Rosenholtz and

Rosenholtz 1981---no child left behind

Stages of Life

Adolescence- learning to assume responsibility Insulation from problematic situations leaves one ill

prepared to deal with adversity. Impoverished, high-risk environments

Adulthood relationships, parenthood, and career

Reappraisals of self-efficacy with advancing age Declining abilities, retirement, relocation,

loss of friends and spouses

Learning Theories and Models

Skinner Bandura

What is Learning? Learning- behavior change acquisition of internal codes

What is the role of the environment?

  E B one of three interacting, influential parts in reciprocal determinism

What is the role of the learner?

unknowing participant

 

4 processes

interacts with the environment produces a behavior an active participant makes decisions

What is the major mechanism through which learning occurs?

operant conditioning

Stimulus-- response -reinforcement

observational learning

Are there other factors which must be considered when applying this

mechanism?

past reinforcement history

skills repertoire of the individual

particular characteristics inherited by the individual

readiness for learning, motivation

control of environmental stimuli

schedule of reinforcement

characteristics of the model

4 processes necessary for learning: attention, retention, motor reproduction & motivation

type of model – live, symbol

self-efficacy

self-regulation

What classroom/instructional applications stem

from this theory?

teachers introduce stimuli and reinforcement to invoke proper response

transfer of learning

developing a positive classroom climate

programmed instruction

classroom management is very important – controlling stimuli

no theory of instruction

appropriate modeling – use of symbols

outcomes of learning are visual & verbal codes

establishing functional value of behavior

guide learners internal processing

shape personal efficacy & self-regulatory skills

learning extends outside the classroom

Pros and Cons

Skinner’s Behaviorism Pros: “Scientific”

observable, measurable phenomena

Rigorous methodology

Con: Ignores the things that make humans “human” Cognitions Emotions “Free Will”

Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory Pros: put the “person” back into

personality

Con: based on inferred drives/needs/etc., which cannot be tested- ignore conscious cognitions- situational influences

Summary

We acquire, maintain, and modify behaviors that we see others perform.

We decide which behaviors to keep, and when to use them, by using: symbolic thought (“what are my long term goals?”) emotion (“damn that Bobo doll!!!”) self-regulation (“I really want to scream at the prof, but

I need an A, so…”) Social Learning Theorists put the “person” back into

personality by stressing the interplay of personal factors, environmental factors, on behavior.