Social Learning Theory

 The social learning theory defines learning that is based on personal factors, behavior, and the environment. People learn by modeling what they observe in their environment.

The social learning theory has three basic principles. People respond to both negative and positive consequences, identify with others and therefore are more likely to model them, and observe their environment.

Four Processes of Social Learning Theory

 

Pros of the Social Learning Theory

  • People are able to self regulate and are not just simply responding to stimuli.
  • Modeling has proven to be a useful tool in teaching others.
  • People are able to reflect on their experiences and use this to influence future actions

Cons of the Social Learning Theory

  • The theory is complicated and therefore harder to put into practice than other theories
  • People can learn undesirable traits as well as desirable ones.

Key Terms

  • Reciprocal Determinism There are three different reciprocal interactions: a person’s feelings and their actions, their environment and personal characteristics and their behavior and environment. Reciprocal Determinism notes that people are able to change, but they do not completely have free will.
  • Symbolizing Capability People use symbols and images to process experiences, and these symbols influence future behaviors.
  • Vicarious Capability People are able to learn by observing others.
  • Forethought Capability People are able to think about their actions, and therefore can regulate them.
  • Self-Regulatory Capability People have control over their own actions, and can adjust these actions in order to obtain goals and adhere to expectations.
  • Self-Reflective Capability People think about their actions after they have occurred, and use these reflections to alter their ideas and help guide actions in the future.

Example of Social Learning Theory

Students learn how to act in school through interaction with the teacher and other students. They learn to work quietly and raise their hands to get the teacher’s attention. There are expectations of behavior and negative consequences for not acting appropriately.

Prominent Social Learning Theorists

  • Albert Bandura has been at the forefront of the social learning theory. He has written several books on the subject, including Social Foundations of Thought and Action: A Social Cognitive Theory. Bandura believed that people learn behaviors through social interactions with others.
  • Bernard Weiner noted that previous experiences have a great impact on how people act in future experiences, and that people learn because they are constantly looking for understanding.
  • Julian Rotter maintained that people learn through determining the expectations of others.
  • Robert Sears gathered that people learn based on what they see in their environment, particularly their parents.
  • Walter Mischel focused on people learning through the interaction of the person and the situation. He also noted that the variables within a person’s environment influence the way in which the person is affected by new experiences.
  • Ronald Akers theorizes that there are several social processes that attribute to learning.

 

References

Isom, Delores Margaret. (1998). The Social Learning Theory. Retrieved November 19, 2006, from Florida State University College of Criminology and Criminal Justice Web site: http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimtheory/bandura.htm

Stewart, Joel. (2003). Social Learning Theory. Retrieved November 19, 2006, from San Diego State University Web site: http://www.rohan.sdsu.edu/%7Estewart6/assig/sociallearn/

Brown, Kelli McCormack. (1999). Social Cognitive Theory. Retrieved November 19, 2006, from the University of South Florida Community and Family Health Web site: http://hsc.usf.edu/~kmbrown/Social_Cognitive_Theory_Overview.htm