Notes on Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory

Introduction

• Fear of snakes and phobias
• Experiment conducted by Albert Bandura to understand behavioral models in snake phobias

Observational Learning

• Patients observed others handling snakes, leading to effective therapy
• Observational learning was more effective than persuasion or psychologist demonstration

Bandura's Social Learning Theory

• Stresses importance of observational learning, imitation, and modeling
• Focus on reciprocal causation model: interaction between behaviors, personal factors, and environment

Triadic Model Components

1. Behavior (B)
   • Complexity, duration, skill, etc.
2. Environment (E)
   • Situation, roles, models, relationships
3. Person (P)
   • Cognition, self-efficacy, motives, personality

Classroom Example of Triadic Model

• Teacher presents a lesson
• Students reflect on teacher’s words (environment influences cognition)
• Students ask questions (personal factors influence behavior)
• Teacher reviews the point (behavior influences environment)

Bobo Doll Experiment (1961)

• Adult model displays aggressive behavior towards Bobo doll
• Children imitate the behavior without reinforcement or incentives
• Significant departure from behaviorism

Functions of Modeling

1. Cue to Initiate Behavior
2. Strengthen/Weaken Existing Restraints
3. Demonstrate New Patterns of Behavior
   • Example: Guest observing hostess at a dinner party

Vicarious Reinforcement and Punishment

• Vicarious Reinforcement
  • Observers experience positive feelings from seeing model rewarded
  • Examples: Teacher acknowledging sharing behavior, television commercials
• Punishment
  • Punishment of model informs observers of inappropriate behaviors
  • Lack of punishment conveys implicit acceptance of behavior

Self-Efficacy

• Belief in one's ability to achieve desired outcomes
• Influenced by:
  1. Social modeling
  2. Mastery of tasks
  3. Social persuasion
  4. Physical and emotional state

Summary

• Bandura's theory focuses on the interaction of behavior, personal traits, and environment
• Vicarious reinforcement and punishment inform behavior choices
• Question posed: Can observing others overcome fear of snakes?