Summary
Summary Social Learning Theory
- Institution
- AQA
Notes on social learning theory
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
The Learning Approach: Social Learning TheoryKey terms
- Social learning theory: a way of explaining behaviour that includes both direct and
indirect reinforcement, combining learning theory with the role of cognitive factors
- Imitation: copying the behaviour of others
- Identification: when an observer associates themselves with a role model and wants to
be like them
- Modelling: from the observer’s perspective, modelling is imitating the behaviour of a role
model. From the role model’s perspective, modelling is the precise demonstration of a
specific behaviour that may be imitated by an observer
- Vicarious reinforcement: reinforcement which is not directly experienced but occurs
through observing someone else being reinforced for behaviour. This is a key factor in
imitation
- Mediational processes: cognitive factors (i.e. thinking) that influence learning and come
between stimulus and response
Social learning theory
Assumptions
Albert Bandura agreed with behaviourists that much of our behaviour is learned from experience
- His social learning theory (SLT) proposed that people learn through observation and
imitation of others within a social context
- SLT suggested that learning occurs directly, through classical and operant
conditioning, and indirectly
Vicarious reinforcement
For indirect learning to take place, an individual observes the behaviour of others
- The learner may imitate the behaviour, but, in general, imitation only occurs if the
behaviour is seen to be rewarded (reinforced rather than punished, i.e. vicarious
reinforcement occurs
- The learner observes the behaviour, but, more importantly, observes the
consequences of the behaviour
The role of mediational processes
SLT is often described as the ‘bridge’ between traditional learning theory and the cognitive
approach because it focuses on how mental (cognitive) factors are involved in learning
- These mental factors mediate (i.e. intervene) in the learning process to determine
whether a new response is acquired
Four mental or mediational processes in learning were identified by Bandura:
- Attention: the extent to which we notice certain behaviours
- Retention: how well the behaviour is remembered
- Motor reproduction: the ability of the observer to perform the behaviour
- Motivation: the will to perform the behaviour, which is often determined by whether the
behaviour was rewarded or punished
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller gemshort. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £3.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
57413 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now