Lecture Notes: Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura

Introduction to Social Learning Theory

• Concept: Can learning occur only through direct experience or also by observing others?
• Developed by: Albert Bandura
• Time Period: 1960s
• Main Question: Challenged the prevailing belief that learning was only through classical and operational conditioning.

Bobo Doll Experiments

• Purpose: To demonstrate that children can learn through observation.
• Subjects: Preschool children, adult models, and a Bobo doll.

Experiment Details

1. Initial Observation:
   • Children watched an adult act aggressively towards a Bobo doll.
   • The adult model either punched or scolded the doll.
2. Child's Reaction:
   • Children who observed aggression tended to mimic it.
   • Notable gender differences:
     • Boys imitated aggressive behavior three times more often than girls.
     • Boys were more influenced by male models, and girls by female models.

Additional Findings

• Media Influence: Children imitated behavior irrespective of whether they saw it live, on video, or as a cartoon.
• Reinforcement and Punishment:
  • Children saw the aggressor either praised or punished.
  • Children imitated behavior less if they saw the model being punished.

Implications of the Experiments

• Breakthrough: Proved observation as a mode of learning.
• Societal Impact:
  • Led to discussions on banning violence in films and games.
  • Raised questions on whether the experiments tested aggression or mimicry.

Key Tenets of Social Learning Theory

1. Cognitive Process: Learning is cognitive and occurs in a social context.
2. Observation and Consequences: Learning can happen by observing actions and their outcomes.
3. Behavioral Change: Learning can occur without immediate changes in behavior.
4. Role of Reinforcement: Reinforcement is not solely responsible for learning.
5. Reciprocal Determinism: Cognition, behavior, and environment influence each other.

Bandura's Influence

• Became one of the most cited psychologists.
• Quote: "Most of the images of reality on which we base our actions are really based on vicarious experience."

Reflection

• Questions for Consideration:
  • How much learning is derived from observation?
  • Who are our greatest teachers in social learning?

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