Overview
This lecture discusses Albert Bandura's social learning theory, highlighting experiments that show people, especially children, can learn behaviors through observation and not only direct experience.
Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
- Bandura proposed that people can learn by observing others, not just by direct experience or conditioning.
- The theory emerged in the 1960s, challenging the dominant views of classical and operant conditioning.
The Bobo Doll Experiments
- Children observed adults behaving aggressively toward a Bobo doll, then were given the opportunity to interact with the doll themselves.
- Children who saw aggression were more likely to imitate it; boys copied the behavior more than girls.
- Boys imitated male models more, and girls were more influenced by female models.
- Watching aggression live, on video, or as a cartoon resulted in similar imitation.
- Observing the model being punished reduced aggressive imitation, especially in girls.
- Whether the model was praised made little difference; punishment had a stronger effect on children's imitation.
Implications and Reactions
- The findings suggested media violence could influence children’s aggression, leading to calls to ban violence in media.
- Some critics claim the studies reflect children’s desire to please adults, not just aggression.
Five Key Tenets of Social Learning Theory
- Learning is a cognitive process that happens in social contexts.
- People learn by observing behaviors and their consequences.
- Learning can occur without immediate behavioral change.
- Reinforcements influence learning, but are not the only factor.
- Cognition, behavior, and environment influence each other (reciprocal determinism).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social Learning Theory — The idea that people can learn from observing others and the outcomes of those behaviors.
- Bobo Doll Experiment — Studies by Bandura where children observed and imitated aggressive behaviors toward an inflatable doll.
- Reciprocal Determinism — The concept that cognition, behavior, and environment all affect each other.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Think about how much of your learning comes from observing others.
- Consider who your main role models or teachers are in your life.