Social Learning Theory

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Albert Bandura and Walter Mischel’s cognitive social theories emphasize the

importance of cognition in learning. Their theories suggest that behavior is a

result of both the individual and the circumstances. Simply stated, individuals

learn how to behave based on what they observe. Their theories emphasized

that individuals are self-regulated problem solvers who can operate separately from neurophysiological determinants.

Walter Mischel

Mischel’s ideas challenged thinking regarding personality significantly by

arguing that personality was not stable over time. He believed that behavior

is based on the context of the situation. He stated that behavior is dictated by

the anticipated consequences for that behavior. He studied individual competencies and expectancies to further describe personality.

Albert Bandura

Bandura’s theory of modeling is based on the critical impact of the social

context on personalities. He argued that behaviors are a result of observing

others. He studied aggression as an example of social impacts. He believed

that humans learn from observing others, and they also learn from the

consequences that are experienced by others. His famous Bobo doll

experiment demonstrated the effect of modeling on aggression.

Today, the social-cognitive theory is still impactful because of empirical

research that examines the concepts and its application to topics of interest in psychology and other fields.

Albert Bandura developed the social cognitive model, which states the following (VandenBos, 2007, p. 866):

Learning is largely or wholly due to social interactions with others.

Behavior is assumed to be developed and regulated by the following:

External stimulus events, such as the influence of other individuals

External reinforcement, such as praise, blame and reward

The effects of cognitive processes, such as thinking and judgment,

on the individual’s behavior and on the environment that

influences him or her.

Vicarious learning, which is also called observational learning, is “the

Social Learning Theory

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acquisition of information, skills, or behavior through watching the

performance of others, either directly or via such media as films and

videotapes” (VandenBos, 2007, p. 638).

To allow vicarious learning to take place, the following conditions must be

met (Bandura, 1977):

The learner must observe the model when he or she is performing the

behavior.

The learner must accurately perceive the model’s behavior.

The learner must remember the behavior.

The learner must have the skills and abilities necessary to perform the

behavior.

The learner must see that the model receives reinforcement for the

behavior in question.

References

Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Bandura bobo doll experiment. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4586465813762682933&hl=en#

VandenBos, G. R. (Ed.). (2007). APA dictionary of psychology. Washington,

DC: American Psychological Association.