Albert Bandura: Social Learning Theory
Bridging the gap between environment, cognition, and behaviour through observational learning.
Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory stands as a pivotal framework in understanding how individuals acquire knowledge. Unlike earlier perspectives focused solely on direct experience, Bandura posited that much of human learning occurs through observing others.
Beyond Behaviourism
While proponents like B.F. Skinner argued for direct reinforcement, Bandura insisted on the critical role of internal mental processes. He served as a bridge to the cognitive revolution, acknowledging that we learn by watching others and anticipating outcomes.
)
Key Concepts
Observational Learning
Individuals, particularly children, learn new behaviours by observing models (parents, teachers, peers). This allows for the rapid acquisition of skills without the risk and time of trial-and-error.
Effective Models
Observers are more likely to imitate models who are similar to them, possess high status, or are seen as warm and competent.
Imitation vs. Identification
Imitation is copying a single act; Identification is a deeper process of adopting a model's overall values and personality.
The Bobo Doll Experiment
In the early 1960s, Bandura demonstrated that children exposed to an aggressive adult model were significantly more likely to physically and verbally abuse a Bobo doll.
- • Learned without direct reinforcement.
- • Performed based on model consequences (Vicarious Reinforcement).
- • Sparked debate on the impact of media violence.
)
The Mediational Processes
Observation alone is not enough. Bandura identified four internal cognitive steps that determine if a behaviour is performed:
1. Attention
The observer must notice and focus on the model's distinct behaviour.
2. Retention
The behaviour must be stored in memory via verbal or imaginal mental representations.
3. Reproduction
The physical and mental capability to perform the observed actions.
4. Motivation
The will to perform the act, influenced by rewards or punishments (vicarious or direct).
Reciprocal Determinism
The Triadic Model
Bandura introduced reciprocal determinism, where behaviour, environmental factors, and personal factors interact bidirectionally. We are both the products and the producers of our environments.
Applications in Child Development
)
Parenting & Education
Adults serve as primary models. Consciously modelling emotional regulation and academic skills, while fostering self-efficacy, is critical for healthy development.
Addressing Aggression
Addressing aggression requires modifying the models children are exposed to and helping them develop prosocial coping mechanisms through practice.
Final Reflections
Albert Bandura altered the understanding of learning by highlighting the power of imitation. As technology evolves, the core tenets of Social Learning Theory continue to provide an essential foundation for examining how children develop within an interconnected world.
Mark Else
My experience ranges from running playgroups for pre-schoolers to managing complex safeguarding caseloads within both mainstream and SEMH provisions. In addition to having worked within the education sector since 2018, I am currently studying for a Level 6 Youth Work degree.
References
- Hidayat, R. and Ramli, M. (2019) “Shaping A Student Self Efficacy Academic Through Live Modeling Technique (A Synthesis of Observational Learning in Social Cognitive Theory),” GUIDENA: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, Psikologi, Bimbingan dan Konseling. Muhammadiyah Metro University. Available at: https://doi.org/10.24127/gdn.v8i1.1163.
- Oláh, K. and Király, I. (2019) “Young Children Selectively Imitate Models Conforming to Social Norms,” Frontiers in Psychology. Frontiers Media SA. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01399.
- Torabi, F. (2019) “Imitation Learning from Observation,” Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence. Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1609/aaai.v33i01.33019900.
- Torabi, F., Warnell, G. and Stone, P. (2019) “Recent Advances in Imitation Learning from Observation,” Proceedings of the Twenty-Eighth International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence. International Joint Conferences on Artificial Intelligence Organization. Available at: https://doi.org/10.24963/ijcai.2019/882.
- Hussein, A. et al. (2017) “Imitation Learning,” ACM Computing Surveys. Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1145/3054912.
- Qiu, L., Vakharia, A. and Chhikara, A. (2019) “Multi-Dimensional Observational Learning in Social Networks: Theory and Experimental Evidence,” SSRN Electronic Journal. Elsevier BV. Available at: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3468347.
- Zhang, R. (2019) “Attention Guided Imitation Learning and Reinforcement Learning,” Proceedings of the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence. Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1609/aaai.v33i01.33019906.
- Deshpande, M., Pirlepesov, F. and Lints, T. (2014) “Rapid encoding of an internal model for imitative learning,” Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. The Royal Society. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.2630.
- Mashal, N. et al. (2012) “A Network Model of Observation and Imitation of Speech,” Frontiers in Psychology. Frontiers Media SA. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00084.
- Canevari, C. et al. (2013) “Modeling speech imitation and ecological learning of auditory-motor maps,” Frontiers in Psychology. Frontiers Media SA. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00364.
- Lee, J. et al. (2009) “IMITATE: An intensive computer-based treatment for aphasia based on action observation and imitation,” Aphasiology. Informa UK Limited. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/02687030802714157.
- Nakaoka, S. et al. (2007) “Learning from Observation Paradigm: Leg Task Models for Enabling a Biped Humanoid Robot to Imitate Human Dances,” The International Journal of Robotics Research. SAGE Publications. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/0278364907079430.
- Englert, P. et al. (2013) “Probabilistic model-based imitation learning,” Adaptive Behavior. SAGE Publications. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1059712313491614.
- Billard, A. (2001) “LEARNING MOTOR SKILLS BY IMITATION: A BIOLOGICALLY INSPIRED ROBOTIC MODEL,” Cybernetics and Systems. Informa UK Limited. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/019697201300001849.
- Zhang, T. et al. (2018) “Robot Imitation Learning of Social Gestures with Self-Collision Avoidance Using a 3D Sensor,” Sensors. MDPI AG. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/s18072355.
- Rosenstock, I.M., Strecher, V.J. and Becker, M.H. (1988) “Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model,” Health Education Quarterly. SAGE Publications. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/109019818801500203.
- Over, H. (2020) “The Social Function of Imitation in Development,” Annual Review of Developmental Psychology. Annual Reviews. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-devpsych-033020-024051.
- Powell, L.J. and Spelke, E.S. (2016) “Human infants’ understanding of social imitation: Inferences of affiliation from third party observations.” Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/050385.