SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY (SLT) (Observational Learning)

Aim Define what social (observational) learning is and to interpret its underlying general principles. To give you a brief overview of the studies carried out by Bandura et al Define what social (observational) learning is and to interpret its underlying general principles. To give you a brief overview of the studies carried out by Bandura et al

Objectives You should be able to: Give a definition of social learning Give a definition of social learning Understand the key terms and explain what they mean Understand the key terms and explain what they mean Explain the underlying mechanisms of social learning Explain the underlying mechanisms of social learning Apply the mechanisms to anecdotal examples that you have produced Apply the mechanisms to anecdotal examples that you have produced Be aware of the work of Bandura Be aware of the work of Bandura

The story so far Classical Conditioning – association Classical Conditioning – association Operant Conditioning – consequences Operant Conditioning – consequences Key studies: Key studies: Pavlov - dog Pavlov - dog Skinner – rat/pigeon Skinner – rat/pigeon

The 3 rd Way Social Learning Theory (SLT) also known as observational learning Social Learning Theory (SLT) also known as observational learning Key words: Key words: Vicarious Reinforcement Vicarious Punishment Attention, Retention, Production, Motivation Reciprocal Determinism

So what is social learning? An observers behaviour (e.g. child) changes after viewing the behaviour of a model. Affected by +ve consequences-ve consequences ↓↓ Vicarious (observed)Vicarious ReinforcementPunishment

4 Separate Processes Attention Attention Retention Retention Production Production Motivation Motivation See Diagram in handout

Mechanisms of SLT In simple terms: Desirable characteristics e.g. intelligence/beauty Desirable characteristics e.g. intelligence/beauty Observer will mimic models behaviour Observer will mimic models behaviour More If there is a positive reward Less If there is punishment Acquiring/Performing behaviour when a situation arises behaviour is displayed.

Reciprocal Determinism Reciprocal means two way interaction Reciprocal means two way interaction Determinism is a belief that everything is caused by something Determinism is a belief that everything is caused by something We are product of our environment. Our own physical/cognitive capabilities together with our influences of environment affects our behaviour and feelings of our self and others (Level 2 progressor students may remember SFP?) We are product of our environment. Our own physical/cognitive capabilities together with our influences of environment affects our behaviour and feelings of our self and others (Level 2 progressor students may remember SFP?)

Albert Bandura – Self System Set of cognitive processes by which a person perceives, evaluates, and regulates personal behaviour so that it is appropriate to the environment and effective in achieving the individual’s goals. Set of cognitive processes by which a person perceives, evaluates, and regulates personal behaviour so that it is appropriate to the environment and effective in achieving the individual’s goals. Observational learning + inner person + demands of situation = combine to determine behaviours Observational learning + inner person + demands of situation = combine to determine behaviours

Social Learning Theory Allows for the cognitive process to mediate between environment and behaviour Allows for the cognitive process to mediate between environment and behaviour Bandura believed that people cognitively represent the behaviour of others and then sometimes adopt this behaviour themselves Bandura believed that people cognitively represent the behaviour of others and then sometimes adopt this behaviour themselves His model shows a reciprocal influence of behaviour, personal and cognitive factors, and environment His model shows a reciprocal influence of behaviour, personal and cognitive factors, and environment

Cognitive Mediating Factors

The Bobo Doll Study

Observational (Vicarious) Learning How new behaviours are acquired in absence of reinforcement How new behaviours are acquired in absence of reinforcement Observational learning-vicarious learning- gained second hand by watching the experience of another Observational learning-vicarious learning- gained second hand by watching the experience of another Modeling: person forms self in image of another Modeling: person forms self in image of another

Outcome Expectancy Expected consequence of the behaviour is most significant influence on whether an observer will reproduce an observed behaviour Expected consequence of the behaviour is most significant influence on whether an observer will reproduce an observed behaviour Individuals are more likely to imitate behaviour that they believe leads to positive outcomes. Individuals are more likely to imitate behaviour that they believe leads to positive outcomes. Outcome expectancy is based on both consequences of rewards and punishments and on anticipated consequences Outcome expectancy is based on both consequences of rewards and punishments and on anticipated consequences