Social Learning Theory

By Kristen Havens
Fall 2019: LDR623
Origin and Historical Background

• Theorist: Albert Bandura

• Originated: 1977
• Modified: Social Cognitive Theory, 1986
• Key Concepts
• Behavior is learned observationally as a reciprocal interaction between
cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences
• Humans observe the behavior and attitudes of others, followed by the
outcome of those behaviors
“Learning would be exceedingly laborious,
not to mention hazardous, if people had to
rely solely on the effects of their own
actions to inform them what to do.
Fortunately, 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.”

- Bandura, Pg 22
The Theory Explained

Modeling & Learned

Imitation Reinforcement
Observation Behavior
The “Bridge”

Behavioral Cognitive
Learning Theory Attention Learning Theory
Retention
The extent to How well the
which we are behavior is
exposed or notice remembered.
Stimulus a behavior. Stimulus

Response/ Cognitive
Behavior Motivation Process
Reproduction
The will to
The ability to perform the
perform the behavior based on Response/
Consequence modeled behavior. perceived Behavior
consequences.
Academic Research: The Strengths

Provides a comprehensive explanation of observational

learning through inclusion of the role of mediating factors.

Gives educators insight regarding student behavior both

with peers and authority.

It is an evolving theory that already has an impressive

research record but is open to change.
Academic Research: The Weaknesses

It is not systematized

Does not account for development of spectrum behaviors,

such as thoughts and feelings

Does not account for inherited and maturation factors

 Impact on Instruction and Assessment

Personal Reinforcement
• we must focus to understand what an individual needs

Vicarious Reinforcement
• we must be cognizant of the way that we respond to the behavior of others

Identification
• we must work to understand how the individual perceives itself and what traits the individual finds admirable or
impressive
Modeling
• we must be intentional about the behavior, attitude, and emotional response that we model for others to learn

Support
• we must be intentional about responding to an individual’s behavior, especially negative behaviors (i.e.
aggression) with understanding that it was learned at some point through observation and reinforcement
 Resources

Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. New York: General Learning Press.

David, L. (2019). Social learning theory (Bandura). Learning Theories. Retrieved

from https://www.learning-theories.com

McLeod, S. (2016). Bandura – social learning theory. Simply Psychology. Retrieved

from https://www.simplypsychology.org

Meissler, M. (2012). Social cognitive learning theory’s limitations, strengths and

weaknesses. WordPress. Retrieved from http://www.wordpress.com