the Social Learning Theory

Social Learning

The Social Learning theory

The Social Learning theory was proposed by Albert Bandura. He has propounded that, "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." – Albert Bandura, Social Learning Theory, 1977. It recognizes the importance of observing and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences.

Social Learning has four Processes:

1. Attention Process – People learn from a model only when they recognize and pay attention to its critical features. In order to learn, it is required to pay attention. Anything that detracts the attention is going to have a negative effect on observational learning. If the model is interesting or there is a novel aspect of the situation, it is more likely to dedicate the full attention to learning.
2. Retention Process – A model’s influence will depend on how well the individual remembers the model’s action after that it is no longer readily available. The ability to store information is also an important part of the learning process. Retention can be affected by a number of factors, but the ability to pull up the information later and act on it is vital to observational learning.
3. Motor Reproduction Processes – After a person has seen a new behavior by observing the model, the watching must be converted to doing. The ability to store information is also an important part of the learning process. Retention can be affected by a number of factors, but the ability to pull up the information later and act on it is vital to observational learning.
4. Reinforcement Processes – Individuals will be motivated to exhibit the modeled behavior if positive incentives or rewards are provided. Finally, in order for observational learning to be successful, you have to be motivated to imitate the behavior that has been modeled. Reinforcement and punishment play an important role in motivation. While experiencing these motivators can be highly effective, so can observe other experience some type of reinforcement or punishment? For example, if you see another student rewarded with extra credit for being in class on time, you might start to show up a few minutes early each day. 

Principles of Social Learning are as follows:

1. The highest level of observational learning is achieved by first organizing and rehearsing the modeled behavior symbolically and then enacting it overtly. Coding modeled behavior into words, labels or images results in better retention than simply observing.
2. Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior, if it results in outcomes they value. Individuals are more likely to adopt a modeled behavior, if the model is similar to the observer and has admired status and the behavior has functional value.