Social Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory
Social Learning Theory (SLT), developed by Albert Bandura, proposes that people learn new behaviours by observing and imitating others, particularly role models they identify with. Unlike conditioning, SLT argues that learning can occur vicariously — by watching someone else's behaviour and its outcome.
Bandura's Bobo Doll Studies (1961, 1963)
Children watched an adult either behave aggressively toward a Bobo doll or play non-aggressively. Those who observed the aggressive model showed significantly more aggressive behaviour, often replicating specific acts witnessed. In the 1963 study, children who saw the model rewarded showed the highest rates of imitation. However, even children in the punishment condition reproduced the aggressive behaviour when offered a reward — demonstrating the distinction between learning and performance.
Key Processes in Social Learning
- Attention: must notice the model's behaviour
- Retention: must encode and remember what was observed
- Reproduction: must be capable of reproducing the behaviour
- Motivation: must have a reason to perform the behaviour
Self-Efficacy
Bandura introduced self-efficacy — the belief in one's own capability to execute a behaviour successfully. High self-efficacy leads to greater persistence and better performance. Built through mastery experiences, vicarious learning, social persuasion, and physiological states.
Evaluation: SLT makes a major advance on purely behavioural accounts by including cognition. The Bobo Doll studies are well-controlled but have limitations: the Bobo Doll is designed to be hit, so ecological validity is questionable. The studies raised ethical concerns about exposing children to aggressive models. SLT gives limited attention to biological factors such as temperament and genetic predispositions.
Practice Question
Question 1.4 — Extended Essay
SL: Discuss how Social Learning Theory explains the acquisition of aggressive behaviour. Refer to relevant research in your answer.
HL: "Social Learning Theory provides a more complete account of human learning than classical or operant conditioning alone." Evaluate this claim with reference to relevant theories and research.