Introduction:
Children are pretty little ones, and they do have unique personalities and perceptions. So the child carries themselves by what they observe. For example, they are sometimes stubborn, throwing temper tantrums by seeing their peers or taking a happy smile even at a bad scene, considering the parent’s act. But, of course, this is more appropriate for adults as well. So, concerning the conception of learning through observation, Albert Bandura advanced the theory with research. And the view seems more favorable and applicable to our learning process.
What Is Social Learning Theory?
Social learning theory is about learning through socialization, through which new behaviors are learned. The social part of the term is meant for the behavior to be processed by direct instruction or observing and modeling others. This cognitive learning process also incorporates reinforcement and punishment intended to facilitate motivation.
History of Social Learning Theory:
Albert Bandura, a psychologist, proposed the social learning theory in 1963. And he is known as the father of social learning theory. Bandura views behavior as one that is broadly motivated by social needs. In addition, he concluded that reinforcement is not a relatively effective tool for learning behavior but for regulating performance. He ascertained the theory through an experiment called the Bobo doll.
Bobo Doll Experiment:
A Bobo doll is merely a toy balloon resembling a clown. Bandura made the children watch the adult's behavior toward the Bobo doll. Hardly any adults demoed positive behavior, while others aggressively beat the doll representing negative behavior. In the end, the children were given the hammer intended to present their conduct. The children who contemplated the adverse conduct also behaved aggressively and violently toward it. On the contrary, the positive witnessed children were less aggressive, presenting positivity. Hence, Bandura concluded that behavior is solely learned or obtained by observation and imitation.
What Are the Components of Social Learning Theory?
Social learning theory relies on behavioral themes for learning through models. Nevertheless, Bandura had modified a specific spectrum to enunciate the idea well. He reformed it to a more cognitive element; thus, the theory was remodeled in 1977. He says learning is a cognitive process more than a behavioral one. Addedly, learning is acquired by observing the behavior itself and its consequences. He pinpoints that reinforcement is considered conducive rather than an essential condition for learning.
The most significant components of social learning theory are observation, modeling, and reinforcement.
Observation: While all theories have a core part of learning through direct instruction, Bandura implements stimulus-based observation. Then, he furtherly adds the modeling to it. So, one can model the act with its sole impact and consequences. And these cognitively facilitated models would more likely influence the learner to keep pace with them. Another critical aspect of the theory is that an individual’s behavior impacts the environment in a contrariwise fashion. This mutual influencing is known as reciprocal determinism.
Modeling: Modeling, being the core of social learning theory, Bandura interposed the three succeeding stimuli for modeling.
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Live Models: A live model is for a lively person showcasing the behavior in demand.
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Verbal or Lingual Instruction: Here, a person narrates the desirable behavior comprehensively through words. In addition, he will guide one on how to carry out.
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Symbols: As the name implies, the behavior is presented using television, the internet, radio, movies, dramas, social medias, and novels.
Reinforcement: The behavior of an individual can be influenced by observing the consequences associated with other people’s behaviors. So, if a person observes a positive behavior, then the person is more likely to imitate it which is called reinforcement. While observing negative acts could result in punishment.
What Are the Principles of Social Learning Theory?
Learning is acquired through behavioral and cognitive ways utilizing the above models. And the process of learning relies on these principles.
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Attention: Attention is desired for any kind of knowledge acquisition. Yet, one cannot learn by observation if he does not seem attentive to the model's features. So, the model is meant to have certain traits to gain attention. Those factors to be keen on are materiality, relevance, valency degree, novelty, and functional aspect. Hence, the model must seek the observer’s attention to impose desired behavior.
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Retention: In a similar fashion to attention, retention is also a mandatory element. The learning process is of no use if the observer doesn’t possess the ability to recall and reproduce the model’s behavior. Considering that, the observer must hold the factors of conceptual, perceptual, and cognitive skills. And, he must bear the arousal and past performances. Again, symbolic models can be employed to aid retention in the observer.
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Motoric Reproduction: Reproduction is the next phase to look at. Through the process of implementing what the observer learned, he must be in possession of sensorimotor skills in addition to cognitive skills. The motor skills must be refined through self-corrective feedback with the help of inputs from others on performances.
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Reinforcement and Motivation: Motivation also can alter the desired behavior and consequences, as the model's influence will be weakened due to failure to notice the desired outcome. So, it is essential to provide positive incentives to gain that observational learning promptly transpired through performances.
Where Can Social Learning Theory Be Applied?
Social learning theory can be utilized to explain the process and alleviate any distorted thoughts and actions. Hence, the approach is efficiently applied in the following fields:
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For aggression and other deviant behavior in the criminology aspect.
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Social awareness and social change.
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As psychotherapy for fear and distorted thoughts.
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Classroom.
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Teaching strategies.
Conclusion:
Social learning theory is an essential psychological theory that enhances the significance of observational learning and the impact of social interactions on human behavior. Like other psychological theories, social learning theory does not demand reinforcement or rewards for the repetition and persistence of behavior. In contrast, the approach swears that humankind can learn through observation and imitation. And, it does betterment because when one decides to build decisions and alter behavior, it provides guidance over replicating realistic ones and the reality they are about to hit.
