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 Role of Reinforcement, Bandura does not completely rule out the role of reinforcement (slide 5). His theory is that reinforcement should not create learning but maintain learning.

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 observable, measurable phenomena Rigorous methodology 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 Skinner’s Behaviorism Pros: “Scientific” observable, measurable phenomena Rigorous methodology Con: Ignores the things that make humans “human” Cognitions Emotions “Free Will”

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.